MEMBER ALERT: Local Safety Incident & Key Reminders

📢 What happened

The Incident

An agent received a call from someone claiming to own a property and wanting to sell quickly. The caller raised several red flags:

  • Claimed to be hospitalized and unable to meet in person.
  • Instructed the agent to enter the unlocked property alone and stay on the phone throughout.
  • Began asking personal questions unrelated to real estate.
The Outcome: The agent trusted her instincts, shared her location with family, and had a colleague meet her there. The caller immediately canceled once the second person arrived and ordered her to leave.
🛡️ Best practices

7 Essential Safety Practices

Office-First Rule

Meet new prospects at your office or a public place before any property visit.

Verify ID

Request a driver's license photo before showing. Predators avoid verification.

Leave a Digital Trail

Log every appointment — address, client name, phone, and expected return time.

Two-Person Rule

Never go alone to a vacant or remote property, or when something feels off.

Tactical Positioning

Always let clients walk ahead. Avoid basements, closets, and confined spaces.

Code Words

Pre-arrange a distress phrase with a contact who will call 911 if they hear it.

Arrive Early & Park Smart

Get there 15 min early. Always park on the street — never in the driveway.

🛠️ Resources

Tools to Keep You Safe

Screen Prospects with Forewarn

Virginia REALTORS® members can instantly verify identity, criminal history, and property records with just a phone number.

Learn about Forewarn ↗

NAR Safety Checklists & Webinars

Extensive safety protocols, office forms, and training from the National Association of REALTORS®.

NAR Safety Program ↗

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