*Please note: Any questions regarding Legal Hotline Spotlights should be submitted via the Virginia REALTORS^® Legal Hotline. Our attorneys are unable to respond to questions through our comments section.

Q:  What should I do if I have someone impersonating me via email?  Someone has created an email account that resembles my email address and has sent fraudulent emails to agents and brokers around the country in an effort to scam them. Meanwhile, this is damaging to my reputation and ability to conduct business. How should I proceed?

A:  First, contact the police via your local non-emergency police phone number. Notify the FBI as well. Next, if you have an attorney, contact them immediately and provide any and all information you have about what has transpired. If you do not already have an attorney, consider contacting the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service. The VLRS will match you with an attorney who can personally advise you on how best to proceed with any potential legal remedies. Lastly, post a notice on your social media page informing colleagues, clients, and others who follow you to beware of possibly receiving a spam email and to disregard it.

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