We want to bring to your attention a concerning situation that has been affecting several REALTOR® members in our community. It has come to our attention that there is an ongoing spam attack targeting various agents, and we believe it is crucial to address this issue promptly to protect our members and maintain the integrity of our profession.
We have received reports of REALTORS® receiving unsolicited and inappropriate emails from an individual posing as a fellow agent. The content of these emails seems to be aimed at creating discord and unethical behavior within our community. We want to stress the importance of remaining vigilant and adhering to the highest ethical standards during this time.
Please be advised to take the following actions when encountering such emails:
- Do Not Engage: If you receive any suspicious or unsolicited emails from unknown individuals, especially those that involve transactions or unprofessional behavior, please refrain from engaging with them. Responding to such emails may exacerbate the situation or lead to potential security risks.
- Delete the Email: It is essential to delete any suspicious emails immediately to prevent any accidental responses or data breaches. If you are uncertain about an email’s legitimacy, it is best to err on the side of caution and delete it.
- Uphold the Realtor Code of Ethics: We encourage all our members to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, as outlined in the Realtor Code of Ethics. Respect for clients, fellow REALTORS®, and ethical conduct are the cornerstones of our profession.
We have received information that at least two agents, from separate brokerages, have been targeted by this spam attack. We believe that there might be more such instances, and we are actively investigating the matter to ensure the safety and security of all our members.
If you have encountered any incidents like the one described above or believe you may have received similar emails, we kindly request you to report them to us immediately. Your input is invaluable, and we want to gather as much information as possible to take appropriate actions and protect our community.
Please rest assured that we are taking this matter seriously, and we will do everything in our power to safeguard our members from any malicious activity. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and trustworthy real estate environment remains unwavering.
If you have any information or concerns, please reach out to the SFARMLS Department by either emailing us mls@sfrealtors.com or calling 415-431-8500 Option 3. Together, we can stand against unethical behavior and uphold the values that define us as real estate professionals.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and ethical real estate community.
Sincerely,
Walt Baczkowski
SFAR CEO
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