I field a high volume of both SPAM and scams, so much so that there have been some weeks where I get contacted by more illegitimate buyers/sellers than legitimate ones. I have created template responses when someone is suspected to be either with how to respond in those situations. Below I'll be going over how real estate agents should deal with catfish sellers, who pretend to be legitimate but who are not.
I recently received a Scam Alert from the Chesapeake Bay & Rivers Association of Realtors:
While some are familiar with catfish buyers, it can be those seeming to sell as well. I didn't see a good article specific to how agents could handle the situation, so I created this one.
How to Spot a Catfish Seller
The Importance of Video or Face to Face
How to Protect Legitimate Sellers with Standard Protocols
How to Prevent a Vacant Property Real Estate Scam: Per Secret Service
Full Document from Secret Service
For more information relevant to catfish sellers and for information focused on catfish buyers, go here.
Related to out-of-town sellers:
Pertinent for Sellers:
7. Contact Adam