Monday, August 14, 2006
Simple Measures Can Keep Realtors® and Real Estate Agents Safe from Violence and Identity Theft
Safety tips for Real Estate Agents have appeared in several news outlets this past month reporting the recent death of a realtor from Coppell, Texas. Indeed, yet another story about violence against realtors again illustrates why these professionals must take extra safety precautions as a routine part of their jobs.
Everything about you, as a realtor, is out in the open. This is the way you make your living. But the constant public interaction is bound to bring with it dangerous people and leave you susceptible to violence and crimes like identity theft.
The Bradenton Herald and others reported last month that a realtor showing a model home in McKinney, Texas, was stabbed 27 times on July 8 and left to die. A small group of curious home shoppers who later stopped by the location found her body. According to articles, police began a wide investigation in search of the killer. As of July 23, reports indicated that police had yet to find the killer, and no news of developments to the contrary has surfaced since.
Fortunately, as a realtor, you can do a number of things to protect themselves against physical violence, identity theft, stalkers, and more:
1) Google yourself. Personal, identifying information such as your home phone number or home address may be available online for all to see. Look into having the information removed.
2) Use an untraceable 800-number. Your phone number can provide a trail to your personal information. Services available for reasonable rates (such as MyPrivateLine.com) will allow you to use an 800-number in place of your cell. Callers will be automatically routed to you, but will never know your cell number.
3) Always let colleagues know, on a regular basis, where you are. Better yet, get a cell phone with GPS, which lets friends, family, and coworkers—not to mention law enforcement officials—track your whereabouts.
4) Have your cell phone readily available to make an emergency. Never bury it deep inside a purse or duffel bag. Include important numbers in the speed dial rotation.
5) Be careful with your personal e-mail address. Unless it is a free address (e.g., hotmail or yahoo), crooks might be able to learn more about you. Whenever possible, share only your employer-provided e-mail address.
6) Follow clients as you show property; never let them walk behind you.
7) Exercise caution when you must show a secluded or vacant property. If possible, work in pairs under such circumstances.
Your job makes the possibility of physical violence a major reality. But it’s not the only concern. A realtor must also remain vigilant against identity thieves and petty stalkers. You want potential clients to find you, but you don’t want nut cases finding where you live. A little carelessness can lead to a lot of frustration and, sometimes, tragedy.
Safety tips for Real Estate Agents have appeared in several news outlets this past month reporting the recent death of a realtor from Coppell, Texas. Indeed, yet another story about violence against realtors again illustrates why these professionals must take extra safety precautions as a routine part of their jobs.
Everything about you, as a realtor, is out in the open. This is the way you make your living. But the constant public interaction is bound to bring with it dangerous people and leave you susceptible to violence and crimes like identity theft.
The Bradenton Herald and others reported last month that a realtor showing a model home in McKinney, Texas, was stabbed 27 times on July 8 and left to die. A small group of curious home shoppers who later stopped by the location found her body. According to articles, police began a wide investigation in search of the killer. As of July 23, reports indicated that police had yet to find the killer, and no news of developments to the contrary has surfaced since.
Fortunately, as a realtor, you can do a number of things to protect themselves against physical violence, identity theft, stalkers, and more:
1) Google yourself. Personal, identifying information such as your home phone number or home address may be available online for all to see. Look into having the information removed.
2) Use an untraceable 800-number. Your phone number can provide a trail to your personal information. Services available for reasonable rates (such as MyPrivateLine.com) will allow you to use an 800-number in place of your cell. Callers will be automatically routed to you, but will never know your cell number.
3) Always let colleagues know, on a regular basis, where you are. Better yet, get a cell phone with GPS, which lets friends, family, and coworkers—not to mention law enforcement officials—track your whereabouts.
4) Have your cell phone readily available to make an emergency. Never bury it deep inside a purse or duffel bag. Include important numbers in the speed dial rotation.
5) Be careful with your personal e-mail address. Unless it is a free address (e.g., hotmail or yahoo), crooks might be able to learn more about you. Whenever possible, share only your employer-provided e-mail address.
6) Follow clients as you show property; never let them walk behind you.
7) Exercise caution when you must show a secluded or vacant property. If possible, work in pairs under such circumstances.
Your job makes the possibility of physical violence a major reality. But it’s not the only concern. A realtor must also remain vigilant against identity thieves and petty stalkers. You want potential clients to find you, but you don’t want nut cases finding where you live. A little carelessness can lead to a lot of frustration and, sometimes, tragedy.
# posted by IDTheftSecurity.com @ 12:57 PM 
