Warning: Text Message Scam Alert

WARNING: If you receive a text message asking for payment of a fine or sales tax on a prize, it is not from NAR.

Article courtesy of the National Association of REALTORS®

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 the National Association of REALTORS®. Examples of both scams are pictured below. NAR has reported both variants of the scam to the FBI.

The National Association of REALTORS® urges its members and state and local REALTOR® associations to be on high alert for email, text, and online fraud.

If you receive one of these text imitating NAR, please note the following:

• Report the incident to the FBI IC3 website at this link: https://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx(link is external)
• 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 their device is free from malware.
• Erase the text from your device. You can take a screen shot 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(link is external).
• 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 www.nar.realtor’s Data Privacy and Security topic for more information about how to protect your business from cybercrime.