NAR is warning REALTORS® about a text message scam alert in which recipients receive a text message asking for payment of a fine or sales tax on a prize. The sender claims to be NAR. It is not NAR.
In one version of the scam, a scammer levies false ethics accusations against a member and demands payment of a fine. Additionally, NAR has seen versions of a text purportedly from NAR, telling the recipient they have won a prize (a car or a TV) sponsored by NAR. NAR has reported both variants of the scam to the FBI.
NAR and C.A.R. urge its members to be on high alert for email, text, and online fraud.
If you receive one of these texts imitating NAR, please note the following:
- Report the incident to the FBI IC3 website
- Do not click on any links in the text or otherwise engage with the sender. If you have clicked on a link in a suspicious text, promptly follow up with an IT specialist to ensure that the device is free from malware.
- Erase the text from your device. You can take a screen shot of the scam prior to erasing it to use it in your report to the FBI.
- If you want to follow up with the FBI after filing the IC3 report, you can call your local FBI field office.
- If you suspect that any phone numbers or contact information were obtained due to a breach of your IT system, alert your IT department or engage an IT specialist to scan your systems and devices to make sure that you are free from malware.
- Visit NAR’s Data Privacy and Security page for more information about how to protect your business from cybercrime.