Recently a call came into the office from a prospective buyer. After talking with her briefly, I asked her if she was being assisted by an agent who could get her real time updates of newly listed homes when they were listed.
She seemed surprised that this was possible. But it wasn't until she began to share her online experience with me that I became startled. Apparently, she had clicked on a link on a website to get information about a home listing and didn't think anything of it...until she was presented with a $15 charge on her phone bill the next month. When she contacted the phone company, they informed her that the click had cost her $15!
Has anyone else run into this?
I did let her know that you don't have to pay ANYTHING to get updated information about homes in Grand Rapids, MI. In fact, the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors is now beta testing a new site which will allow prospective homebuyers to customize and SAVE their searches. They can also choose to associate the search with the real estate agent of their choice if they'd like.
In addition, the association is asking consumers for feedback so they can enhance what our guests experience while they are online. Check it out for FREE. You don't have to pay for the most comprehensive, real estate listing information available in Grand Rapids, MI straight from the professionals who serve in the real estate industry everyday.
If you're searching for an agent to serve your local real estate needs, visit www.auduhomes.com. You can create your own private search by clicking on the Property Search link and also access tons of information about the local area.
Copyright 2009 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511. Thanks for visiting our blog. Here are links to some of our most popular posts for you to enjoy!
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Lola, I have never ever heard of this! Was her search through a real estate website?
Lola,
WOW! What a scam this is.. I have not heard of it in my area.
Thank you for sharing,
Ann
Lola - hmmm, sounds pretty scammy to me. Never heard of this happening. SOunds like your MLS is trying to be progressive in their efforts to help consumers.
Jeff
Lola - I haven't heard about this in my area. As Jeff mentioned, seems shady to me. I'd tell that person to run far away from that particular company and site.
Lola - I have not heard of anything like this before now! Sounds like an amazing scam and something to watch out for.
Scammers! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
I'm glad you educated this person about the issue. But it's still amazing just how many folks will fall for phoney baloney stuff.
Lola, like everyone else that has commented I have not heard of this before either, but I will ask a couple of the Realtors I work with to see if they have come across this.
I seem to recall that they went through something like this in the Virginia Beach area. I believe they got it resolved.
There are all types of web sites that can provide all types of information. The buyer must have dialed a toll number. Or, the provider has a 900 like number.
I get calls regularly from folks who want to know if I charge for lists of foreclosures.
Of course, I do not. However, I don't send out lists either.
Wow.... that's a scam....
Someone in the Chicago area?? A real estate agent... maybe it was Judy Bryant? recently had a post about her phone bill having odd charges on it. She'd clicked on links on Facebook and "services" were billed to her cell phone.
I suppose a scam could be set up with any info. Importance of using trusted sources.
Free is always good. There is always somebody trying to make a fast buck.
Well, I always say, I have heard it all.
Then I found out, no I haven't heard it all.
HOW Disquisting!!!
I won't say it this time but just unbelievable.
Just another thing to add to the list of things that give "REALTORS" a bad name and bad press. I've never heard of something like this before, but there are all kinds of scams out there.
I wasn't aware of this scam. It sounds like the equivalent of calling 900#'s and getting ripoff charges...
It was likely a 900 or 800 number or something like that where she got the data... just a guess.
They are everywhere . Buyers and sellers need to be well informed and aware of the options that are available to them great advice.
I'd love to get some specific information on this scam. It's important that a scam such as this gets brough to light quickly and with consumer loss being minimized.
They are everywhere, these scammers. Never heard of paying for a listing.
What an awful thing. Lola. I've seen countless sales of lists - Lenn mentioned foreclosures but I've also seen auction lists sold. All information we share freely.
Thank you all for feedback on this issue. I was so shocked when this individual shared this experience. I did ask her for the website, but she could not remember where she had been. I would have loved to check it out myself. From the comments so far, it seems as though this is not common which is a good thing. It did not sound like she understood that she was clicking into a 'special number' If this was the case, it is disconcerting.
WOW
Is Dave saying Lola made up the story? Odd.
Yet Dave's comment is anonymous. You can say just about anything anonymously can't you? If you choose to delete Dave's comment feel free to delete this as well.
I would love to know if Dave is someone in your market... Dave seems a bit confused.
Dave,
Lola's had 98 featured post on ActiveRain. She is NOT unknown... she has other blogs.
Morning Lola, Isn't it amazing how creative these bums are ? Glad this nice lady found you.
Lola - Good tip!!! In this age of "Do it yourself" or "That's what the internet is for" there is still a reason of why professionals anre needed, if nothing more than to educate the public on the value of their representation.
Cheers
Out MLS system lets us set up a custom web site look for each auto email notifications we set up. I have blogged about MLS systems before. Your MLS Board has options for add ons. I am glad that your system is moving there. As for the $15, isn't there some truth in advertising law to deal with that? I would also call my phone and credit card company and dispute the charges.
WOW! That was a pretty pricey click! That is crazy. Thanks for the heads up.
Maureen, thanks for your comment. I found the annonymous comment strange as well. I do wish the caller had remembered the website address because I would want to warn my clients. She was very happy to hear she could set up her own free search for new listings from the local real estate board and get instant updates & that's what's most important.
Lola,
THat is unfortunate, seems there is a scam behind everything....that is how predators survive.
I have not heard of consumers paying for listing info. There are many who pay for list of foreclosures scams