We were recently made aware of a new scam targeting REALTORS®, and feel that it is important enough to share it. A website, Realtor-complaints.com was looking to generate revenues by attempting to have agents pay to have their names removed from the site. The website violates the guidelines for use of the REALTOR® trademark and NAR attorneys have looked into the matter. NAR Associate General Counsel Ralph Holmen offers this: "This site does not have authority to use the term REALTOR®, and NAR has taken action to stop them from using it. That action does not (yet) involve litigation, but the possibility of initiating a suit remains if our efforts are not successful." The site appeared to have similar wording across many of the complaints so it safe to assume that they may not be publicly-submitted. While it looks like the site is no longer actively providing search results, this is an important time to keep a close watch over your online reputation. Set up google-alerts for your name and business, make sure your profiles on social media sites are up-to-date and consistent, and ask clients to submit reviews on legitimate consumer websites such as Yelp and LinkedIn. In a world where consumers go directly to the internet for information, you want to make sure that yours is correct!

John Dulczewski
GBAR Executive Director