SCR now offers a FOREWARN public database background scan app as part of your membership and your safety protocols.

Use FOREWARN on all consumers to prevent fair housing risks.

Talk ASAP to your BIC and SCR legal if you have FOREWARN background issues concerns.

If you have a suspicious consumer, please consider filing a suspicious activity report with law enforcement. A law enforcement alert can protect you from libel, slander, or upset people if you post about other people on your own. Even a successful defense can have a high cost (e.g., time, effort, money, legal costs, risks of losing, appeals, ethics, lawsuits, LLR SCREC license law).

Be careful what you say or write about others.

There have been reports of distant/local fake sellers and fake buyers who only contact you via phone or the internet or otherwise operate in unusual manners. Be cautious. Perhaps, ask if they have worked with any real estate agents in the recent past. Contact their list of past real estate agents.

Always ASAP properly use SCR110 LLR brokerage relationship form asap with substantive contact. Ditto SCR buyer side and seller side forms.

Use your skills to avoid and or disengage.

There are reports of various potential issues (e.g., money laundering through trust accounts of BIC or attorney, wasting your time, fraud, check fraud, assault, robber, kidnapping, murder, burglary, theft, title theft, financial crimes, breach of trust, ethics, license laws, mental health, free lunches) with some consumers. Be wary at all times.

https://www.nar.realtor/safety

Posted by: Byron King on 05/16/23 (This information is only accurate as of 05/16/23. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 05/16/23 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)

This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.