Special offer

Help Stop Scams Here's How To File An FTC Complaint

By
Real Estate Agent with Lisa Von Domek Team TX License #0552989

FTC

Scam Watch

How to File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission

(Note, this is a popular video and sometimes takes a few moments to load and available)

 

  

In the Real Estate business, we are aware of scams that may occur with listings.  The most popular, bogus listings (on Craigslist for example) that state a home is for lease at a ridiculously low price.  The ads look legitimate, and may even provide an email address with the actual owners name(s); but, the email goes to the scammer and not the real owner of the property.  Craigslist is very proactive in assisting those who search on their site to be aware of scams and some of the things to watch for.  Unfortunately, the practice continues...you can help to catch these scammers by reporting to the website you find the post on.  You can also submit a complaint to the FTC: 

Before You Submit a Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, collects complaints about companies, business practices, identity theft, and episodes of violence in the media.

Why: Your complaints can help us detect patterns of wrong-doing, and lead to investigations and prosecutions. The FTC enters all complaints it receives into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database that is used by thousands of civil and criminal law enforcement authorities worldwide. The FTC does not resolve individual consumer complaints.

Your Privacy: How much personal information you provide is up to you. To learn how we safeguard your personal information, please read our Privacy Policy. If you don't provide your name and certain other information, it may be impossible for us to refer, respond to, or investigate your complaint.

 

FTC   

Comments(9)

Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

You are so right and it is good of you to remind people Lisa. I have seen these scams and hate to see anyone loose time and money.

May 20, 2016 02:55 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Lisa, Thanks. This post needs to go viral with the scams out there. I plan to re-blog.

May 20, 2016 03:17 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

My wish...that those who choose to be scammers as a way of life, would spend time doing good instead of hurting others.

May 20, 2016 03:50 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lisa thank you for providing this information, this is good to know.

May 20, 2016 06:04 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Lisa Von Domek Thanks for the reminder. It is important to file any fraud complaint with FTC.

May 20, 2016 06:08 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello Lisa ...

Scams are a terrible thing and I think the Feds, etc should get stronger on trying to stop the people behind them.

May 20, 2016 12:14 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Lisa

The scams are out of control . . . . Thanks on sharing the tips on filing a complaint with the FTC.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

May 20, 2016 12:27 PM
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Great information everyone needs to stop this ridiculous scamming of hard working people.

May 27, 2016 10:57 PM
Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

A great informative post, glad I came across it in the archives. Thanks for sharing.

Jun 19, 2016 01:10 PM