RE/MAX has received reports of an international online rental scam using the RE/MAX name.
The scam begins with an apartment listing on a classifieds or apartment-listing website. After exchanging several emails with the apartment “owner,” the potential tenant receives wire-transfer instructions to transfer rental deposit funds to RE/MAX or a RE/MAX-branded company.
In one instance, the apartment owner used a false name and provided documents such as pictures of the apartment and his passport ID in an attempt to verify his credibility. However, those operating the scam could use other tactics to lend legitimacy to their operation.
If you are approached online by one of these scammers, please do not send money.
RE/MAX brokerages, offices or agents are not involved in these scams. As a general rule, never send money for an apartment you haven’t seen or to a person you haven’t met. If you believe you’ve been involved in a scam involving the RE/MAX name, please report the matter to abuse@remax.net. In addition, contact the apartment-listing website where you found the ad and report the issue.
If you ever have any questions about the legitimacy of a real estate transaction with a business or agent using the RE/MAX name, please call RE/MAX London at +44 (0) 20 3142 7288. You can also email abuse@remax.net to report any suspicious emails, offers or websites that feature the RE/MAX name, RE/MAX logo or RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon logo.
Unfortunately, the criminals behind scam and phishing schemes are skilled at recreating authentic-looking documents and websites. You may be contacted by a scammer posing as an agent on the phone or receive emails from a fraudulent email address. Once again, the best way to check if you have been approached by a scam operative is to contact RE/MAX London at the information listed below.
+44 (0) 20 3142 7288
http://www.remax.co.uk/important–scam-notice
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