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Yes, You Can Help Stop Scams...How To Report To The FTC

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(31)

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

Great advice Lis. Everyone should report these crimes. It is a great to eliminate scammers

Oct 14, 2016 02:29 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Thanks, Lisa for this information... bookmarked for a reference just in case I need it  :)

Oct 14, 2016 06:15 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lisa thank you for posting this information and sharing it with us.

Oct 14, 2016 11:59 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

This is great information and glad to know they are there to protect and serve.

Oct 14, 2016 01:52 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Lisa Von Domek - this is a very important information for us.

We do come across many scams.

Oct 14, 2016 03:27 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

 Lisa, thank you, important information for us to know on how to report scammers.

 

Oct 14, 2016 08:04 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Lisa  I had a nitemare on hand with craigs list from one of our rentals.  I was so glad to get it rented and off the market so it would all end.  Wish I had the FTC info.  Craigs list was of no help to us.

Oct 15, 2016 07:33 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

I am beginning to think that the scammers will soon outnumber the consumers Dorie Dillard 

Oct 15, 2016 01:22 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Sadly true Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI NMLS#1483386 where's that Special Prosecutor when you need them? 

 

Oct 15, 2016 01:23 PM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI

What the same one going after Hillary?

Oct 16, 2016 04:13 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Grant Schneider Craig's List seems to be a breeding ground for scammers.

Oct 15, 2016 01:24 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

That's wonderful Sheila Anderson but I hope you never need to use the information

Oct 15, 2016 01:25 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

That's great Brian England I am so happy the information was useful for you!

Oct 15, 2016 01:26 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Noah Seidenberg the darn scammers are everywhere these days!

Oct 15, 2016 01:26 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Great, thank you Rebecca Gaujot, the Go To Realtor® hopefully you will never need it!

Oct 15, 2016 01:27 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

You are welcome George Souto it's sad that we need to know these things though, isn't it?

Oct 15, 2016 01:28 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Thank you Debbie Reynolds our tax dollars at work!

Oct 15, 2016 01:29 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Far too many scammers out there Praful Thakkar 

Oct 15, 2016 01:30 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Glad you found this helpful Michelle Carr-Crowe-Selling Silicon Valley Homes in Top Schools San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, Palo Alto-Just Call 408-252-8900 

Oct 15, 2016 01:30 PM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Craig's List causes so many headaches Anna Banana Kruchten 

Oct 15, 2016 01:31 PM
Brian Schulman
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Lancaster PA - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County PA RealEstate Expert 717-951-5552

Lisa, thanks for the informtion.  Good to have, just in case.

Oct 22, 2016 11:05 PM