Do any listing agents or listing brokerage require any upfront payments from sellers (e.g., rebated deposit, upfront listing fee of any amount) from unknown and distant sellers with or without any red flags for seller impersonation fraud?
If so, has this risk management strategy helped?
Other risk management ideas, using background checks such as SCR member benefit Forewarn, mailing a paper letter to the best address of the seller, analyzing identifying documents for forgery, social media reviews, interviewing neighbors and the owners association of the property, moving to phone and Zoom instead of just emails for seller communications, asking trick questions about the property (e.g., what about that shed, when no shed exists), etc.
This information is only accurate as of 11/26/25. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 11/26/25 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)
This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.