December 2022
The Oregon Real Estate Agency has received reports of individuals impersonating licensees, tenants, and sellers with the intent to fraudulently sell properties or businesses.
Incident #1
An individual pretending to be a tenant fraudulently attempted to sell an existing business in a shopping center. The individual also impersonated the property manager of the shopping center using a bogus email account. The fraud was discovered when the would-be-tenant contacted the actual property manager about rent and other details for the space.
Incident #2
Two leads from different referral websites were received by a real estate firm. The bogus sellers had all the information needed to pose as the owners of the properties. The properties were listed. But as communication continued, the real estate licensees recognized signs suggesting that the people they were in contact with were not the owners of the properties. The listings were canceled before either property was under contract.
The Agency advises licensees to be vigilant. Educate yourself on how to reduce your risk of being involved in a scam.