Can You Hear The Red Flags Wave?
As anyone familiar with ActiveRain knows, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 continuously supports our community. She teaches in posts on many topics, she offers support to people who need help on the site or in their businesses, she makes phone calls to people who have just joined, she follows up on questions people have and in every way possible, makes life in the 'Rain more pleasant and productive.
With this re-blog, her clear explanation of a scam attempt will serve as a warning to others. Unfortunately, people do use technology to try to hurt others. Reading her description of the steps that the bad hats suggested she follow can serve as a guide to avoid that danger yourself.
From my point of view, ANY REQUEST TO MEET ON ANOTHER SITE must be seen as what Margaret refers to as a RED FLAG, as those are attempts to lure someone to a site where fraud is more easily perpetrated.
Whether you say it in country music as Kenny Rogers did in The Gambler,
or as Margaret Rome says:
"When communication starts to shift away from transparency, verifiable contact information, and normal safeguards, it’s time to pause."
Thanks Margaret for sharing your wisdom with us!
When a Buyer Sounds Perfect… Listen for the Red Flags
I want to share a recent experience as a reminder to stay alert, even when everything initially feels legitimate. I was contacted by text about one of my listings. The messages were specific, thoughtful, and clearly tied to the property. I sent full details, photos, and even a video. The questions made sense. Then came a request to schedule a Zoom call, at my convenience, which was encouraging and felt very real. I was genuinely looking forward to sharing more about this very special listing.
At the scheduled Zoom time, today, things shifted. I did not receive the Zoom invite, even though I was told it had been sent twice. At the same time, emails related to this contact were being quarantined by my system. I was advised to release it from quarantine and then asked to provide a personal email address.
I suggested alternatives. A quick phone call. FaceTime. Both were declined. I was told the husband needed to be part of the Zoom, yet the only contact information provided, repeatedly, was an email address. When I requested a phone number, I received the response: “My number is not available at the moment.”
That was the turning point. No phone number, no FaceTime, quarantined links, pressure to move communication off my business email, too many red flags to ignore.
The important takeaway is this: I was not “taken.” I was doing exactly what we do every day, responding professionally to a buyer who appeared engaged, informed, and interested in a specific property. Scammers are getting better. They ask the right questions. They sound reasonable. They even respect your schedule. That’s why sharing these experiences matters. When communication starts to shift away from transparency, verifiable contact information, and normal safeguards, it’s time to pause.
Why I’m sharing this:
Because many of us are generous with our time. We want to help. We respond quickly. And we’re used to adapting. But your process exists to protect you, your license, your data, your clients, and your peace of mind. If something starts to feel “off,” even after a good start, trust that instinct. Experience isn’t just knowing what to do. It’s knowing when to stop.
Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®Baltimore, Maryland
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
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