Watch Your Back: Don’t Ignore These New Agent Security Hacks | Private Equity Weekly

February is new agent month In Inman. Follow us as we dive into the tools, techniques, and tips you need to survive and thrive in 2024.For curated content created specifically for first-year agents, be sure to subscription to our weekly newsletter, Base.

Your safety should never take a back seat during the excitement of showings and client meetings. Based on my experience as a broker and teaching real estate safety, I’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide full of actionable tips.

Don’t just rely on one step; safety work must be implemented in layers. Whether online or in person, I’ll provide you with best practices to keep you safe and confident. Let us make your real estate career not only successful, but safe and secure.

Filter customers

• Verify: Before investing your time, confirm the identity and financial viability of potential new customers through the customer’s mortgage company or your lending partner and provide a pre-approval letter.
• Be proficient in social media: Don’t let your past haunt you!Use tools like lifestyle brand Scan your social media for potential red flags that violate NAR Code of Ethics Practice Standard 10-5 and posts that could jeopardize your safety and reputation.
• Go check it out: Filter customers warn. This service allows you to check potential clients’ criminal conviction records, sex offender registries, foreclosure and bankruptcy filings, and even social media red flags. This will provide you with valuable insights before the meeting. Remember, all criminals have no conviction records, so use all your tools to confirm their identity.

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Risks

• Artificial intelligence alertness: “You are the target!” According to Traci Dowd, high-tech crimes agent with the Colorado State Bureau of Investigation. Because agents have a fiduciary duty to protect customer information, Dodd recommends that agents have separate laptops whenever possible, one for business and one for personal use. She believes customer and financial information should be protected and that no one but agents should have access to the device.
• Stay informed About the latest AI phishing email strategywire transfer BEC scams (business email compromise), and the dangers of deepfakes impersonating phone calls, photos, and videos.
• Insurance umbrella: To protect against financial losses caused by telecom fraud, ransomware, data breaches and cyberattacks, invest in cyber insurance, such as Cores, which provides E&O and all coverage in one place. Meet with your agent or insurance broker to get coverage based on your business practices.
• Internet Security: Use strong passwords to protect all accounts, including social media, email, and websites Or Google password (fingerprint) and two-factor authentication (TFA) for all accounts. Manage complex passwords by saving them to your Google or web browser. Attend expert-led training and learn about possible threats.

“See the FBI’s IC3 Annual Cybercrime Report: Focusing on Business Email Compromise (BEC), Ransomware, and Investment Fraud,” emphasized Darren Mott, retired FBI agent and owner of Gold Shield Cybersecurity. “Look for examples of (fraudulent) BEC emails and educate agents, closing attorneys and title companies about their existence so everyone is on the same page and knows what to look out for.”

show shrewdness

• Let customers take the lead: Allow clients to enter rooms and spaces while maintaining a comfortable distance and avoiding quarantined areas. Never allow your escape routes to be blocked.
• Safe Open Days: There is safety in numbers. Work with other agents or industry partners to accompany you, such as a lender, title company or insurance company.
• Lock or unlock the door when displayed: There is no right answer. If the property is in a loitering and high-traffic area, it’s wise to lock the door. If you are worried about the client you are showing to, lock the door if necessary to allow for escape. Your intuition will guide you.

Use technology

• Location, location, shared location: Use things like Instant location sharing for Google Maps Instantly share your location with selected contacts within a specific time frame. ” It helps to have a team around you.Training in self-awareness, knowing what to do and being aware of each other’s whereabouts are key,” advises Jeff Lichtenstein, president and broker of Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been with the company for 24 years.
• Sync calendar: share your Google Calendar Connect with a trusted contact to ensure someone always knows your whereabouts in real time.
• Number of cameras: Deter bad behavior and promote accountability by displaying signs (temporary signs) with or without cameras and/or useg security camera At open house and listed.

financial security

• pay online: Eliminate wire transfer, commission and down payment risks and ensure transparency with trusted industry partners like Earnnest and Deposit Link for encrypted, secure and traceable electronic payments.
• Stay alert: Avoid unusual payment requests, last-minute changes, sharing banking information, requests to buy gift cards or Bitcoin, or high-pressure situations. Trust your instincts and verify any suspicious activity. Warn your customers not to trust wire transfer change email requests without verifying with you at a known phone number.
• WhatsApp Scam: Cyber ​​criminals try to convince you to communicate only on the WhatsApp platform.thisYou frequently request personal or financial information, Bitcoin or funds transfers. Never share this information or pay them. Unless you have a vetted relationship with an agent or client, avoid communicating on the app.

car armor

• Emergency kit preparation: Be prepared for anything! Carry essentials like a first aid kit, phone charger, jumper cables, non-perishable snacks, water, blankets and a roadside assistance kit.
• Hands-free focusing: Minimize distractions Hands-free technology for calls and navigation.Remember, even map manipulation worksDriving can be dangerous though.

remember

• Trust your intuition: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reschedule or decline the meeting. Our gut feelings, instincts, sixth senses, gut feelings, and even “Spider-Sense” have no other purpose than to keep you safe. Listen to this.
• Investment training: knowledge is power. After local agents were victimized, Lichtenstein arranged self-defense classes for his agents, and he offered these classes year-round. Stay up to date on the latest threats and best practices with expert-led training and webinars.
• keep in touch: Maintain open communication with your office, colleagues, and trusted safety contacts. Share your schedule, location and any concerns promptly.

This expert-created toolkit empowers you to embark on a secure real estate career. By staying informed, implementing proactive safety practices, and taking advantage of these valuable resources, you can learn about the property with confidence and achieve your real estate goals without compromising your health.

You can demonstrate your value to consumers by leading with safety and discussing safety and security at every stage of the real estate transaction.

Tracey Hawkins is a former international real estate agent security expert, lecturers and keynote speakers.contact her LinkedIn or Instagram.