We have been alerted to an increase in scam emails being sent to our licensees that act is if they are from the WV Real Estate Commission.
Here are ways on how to tell if the email you received is a valid email from the Commission and it's staff:
- Check the email address, this can be done by hovering over the contact name. Is it from a @wv.gov email address? If yes, it's from us!
- Check our staff list! Is the name of the sender one of our staff members? If yes, it's from us! This can be found on the menu under the Commission tab on our website. Our staff will always email from a valid @wv.gov email address.
Here are ways to quickly determine if a message is a scam:
- Is the message asking you to click on a link, or give personal information in a very short period of time? It is a scam! They try to create a false sense of urgency so you panic and click or give away personal information.
- Is the message threatening in any manner? Stating it will revoke your license or another major consequence? It is a scam! This is, again, an attempt to scare you into action.
- Is the message requesting money, gift cards, or donations? It is a scam! The Commission will never request any financial information or funds over email.
REMEMBER, The WV Real Estate Commission will NEVER ask you for personal information, finanical information, money or gifts over email. The Commission will NEVER email you, threatening major consequences if you do not respond in a short time period.
The Commission DOES send out a quarterly newsletter which you can sign up for on our website, and we DO send out renewal reminders during renewal season and at the end of the calendar year.
You can always check the news and announcements page on our website for any updates you may need.
What do I do if I receive a suspicious email?
- Ask questions to try to determine the validity of the email using our tips above.
- If you determine it is a scam, report/flag the email as spam and block the sender.
- Still unsure if it is real? Call the Commission.
Be Smart, Stay Safe, and DON'T Fall for a Scam!