How Homebuyers Can Spot Scam Calls and Mail After Buying a Home

Q: I’m a senior and I just bought a home. I’m getting calls and mail about the house that I think are scams, but I’m not sure. How can I tell?

A: When you buy a house, the transfer of the deed becomes public record. Many companies use this information to offer new homeowners services such as home improvement, home security, home warranties, and even postal services. Unfortunately, not all of these companies are reputable—and neither are their methods. Here are some red flags to look out for.

Most new homeowners need “stuff” to help them settle into their home. These offers can come in the form of letters, emails, phone calls, or door-to-door salespeople. Some of it may look very official, sporting what looks like a State Seal or mimicking letters from your insurance company or mortgage company. You’ll want to examine these offers very carefully before responding.

Red Flags to Watch For

1) The email address or domain does not match the company.
Look at the sender’s email address. If you can’t see the address, double-click on the sender’s name to view it. If the email looks nonsensical—or the domain (the part after the “@” symbol) doesn’t match the company name—think twice before accepting the offer.

2) There are misspellings in the offer.
Whether it’s a letter or an email, if the spelling and grammar seem wrong or “off,” be careful. This is often a signal the sender is not who they’re pretending to be. You may also see disclaimers in tiny print at the bottom admitting they are NOT affiliated with the state, your insurance company, or your mortgage company.

3) The offer asks you to send money up front.
Some offers ask you to pay first for services later—or to pay for services you don’t need (or can do yourself for free). Do a little research before responding, no matter how official it might look.

4) The representative uses high-pressure tactics.
If you receive sales calls for services, be wary of people who sound threatening and say things like “you must” or “you are required.” And if they ask you to “verify” information like your date of birth, Social Security number, or credit card number, you should be suspicious.

If you’re not sure about an offer or a letter you’ve received, have someone you trust take a look at it. You know the one! I’d be more than happy to help you find or identify legitimate offers and services for just about anything you need. You can also find a list of trusted service partners on my website at Homes4SaleOrlando.com.