Beware of Scam Emails Offering WVMLS Membership Lists

Recently, we've received reports from a few members about suspicious emails claiming to offer access to our registrants or members list for purchase. These emails often come from varying senders, with the subject line "Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service" and content promising details on "1,000+ Contacts" from WVMLS.

If you've received one of these emails, rest assured:

There has been no data breach at WVMLS, and your contact information is not for sale.

Understanding the Scam

These emails are classic examples of unsolicited offers designed to lure recipients into engaging, often leading to requests for payment, personal information, or even malware installation. The senders use generic business titles like "Business Executive" and email addresses from unfamiliar domains (e.g., something like tradedbx.live). They reference WVMLS to make the pitch seem legitimate, but it's all smoke and mirrors.

Steps to Handle These Scam Emails

Don't panic—these emails are more annoyance than threat if handled correctly. Here's a straightforward guide to dealing with them:

1. Do Not Respond or Engage: Replying confirms your email is active, which could lead to more spam or targeted attacks. Ignore the message entirely.

2. Avoid Clicking Links or Attachments: These could contain malware or phishing forms designed to steal your credentials. If the email includes any, delete it without opening.

3. Mark as Spam or Junk: This helps your email provider's filters learn and block similar messages in the future. If you're using a service like Gmail or Outlook, report it as phishing through their built-in tools.

By following these steps, you're not only protecting yourself but also helping us combat these scams collectively.

WVMLS Listing Statuses And What They Mean

Active (ACT) - Active listing, available for cooperation and compensation.

Example: You want to make your listing Active to be syndicated out to websites, available for showings, and start bringing in potential buyers.

Active Under Contract (ACT-UC) - Active listing with an accepted contract subject to contingencies such as financing, inspections, etc., available for cooperation and compensation.

Example: The listing has got an offer and is now Active Under a Contract that is working through the contingencies (inspections, appraisal, additional misc. contingencies) during this time it is still syndicated out to websites.

Active Bumpable (ACT-BMP) – Active listing with an accepted contract subject to a performance obligation such as the sale of another property or right-of-refusal contingency, and available for cooperation and compensation.

Example: The listing is got an offer and is now Active Bumpable which means it is subject to a specific action such as buyer or seller selling a property or if there is a right-of-refusal contingency. During this time it is still syndicated out to websites.

Pre-Listing (PRE) - Pre-active listing, not currently active in WVMLS, available for cooperation and compensation, but not released publicly except as outlined for an approved VOW under the WVMLS IDX/Data License Agreement. Pre-Listings will not be submitted by WVMLS to IDX sites, Internet Marketing / Syndication sites, RETS feeds, or Paragon Contact Manager processes. PRE status listings may be marketed by the listing broker or listing office as directed by seller.

Example: You would like to put the listing up as a preview or Pre-Listing. No showings are allowed even from the listing agent, no syndication to websites occur at this time.

Pending (PND) - Listing with an accepted offer awaiting closing.

Example: The listing is Pending and met all contingencies and just waiting on title/escrow. No longer syndicated out to websites.

Sold (SLD) - Listing with a recorded sale.

Example: The listing is Sold and has a recorded sale.

Expired (EXP) - Contract has expired, at which time the owner and property become subject to general solicitation by other Members. Expired listings may be renewed by filing a change order form with WVMLS signed by the Member and the owner.

Example: The listing contract has Expired the listing is no longer syndicated out to websites and can be solicited by other members.

Terminated (TRM) - Termination occurs upon direction of the Listing Member. Owner and property are subject to general solicitation by other Members. Change order form must be signed by Designated Member.

Example: The listing has been Terminated by the listing member. The listing is no longer syndicated out to websites and can be solicited by other members.

Withdrawn (WTH) - Listing has been Withdrawn at owner’s written request, with mutual agreement by Listing Broker. Listing will not be marked Active in WVMLS and will no longer be actively syndicated. Listing must not be marketed or shown, Must not be relisted until the original listing contract period has expired, Must not be solicited by other Members until the original listing contract period has expired, and Must be reported immediately on WVMLS Change Order form. Change order form must be signed by Owner/Authorized Signer and Designated Member.

Example: The listing has been Withdrawn by the seller and listing member. The listing is no longer syndicated out to websites, showings cannot occur, contract is still in effect and cannot be relisted until after contract period has expired.

Definitions obtained from WVMLS Bylaws and Rules 1.g) https://members.wvmls.com/forms/bylaws.pdf

Paragon Feature Highlight: Interactive Map Layers

Did you know you can create your own map layers to toggle on/off custom search areas when utilizing the Map Search?

Let's dive into how to setup your own custom Interactive Map Layers.

It all starts by clicking "Preferences -> Interactive Map Layers" in Paragon Professional's Main Menu (pictured below):

In the Interactive Map Layer management screen you'll click "Create New"

Here you will name your Map Layer collection and click "Save"

You'll be returned to the Interactive Map Layer management screen. Here you'll click the name of your Map Layer collection which will open the map tool:

Inside this map you'll navigate to the area you'll be placing your layers and then click "Draw Polygon"

You'll then click to create points of your shape until you've made a completed shape. One this is done a dialogue box will open asking you to name your shape/area and choose a fill color for it. Click "Save" to finalize your layer.

You can then repeat this to create multiple layers which can be toggled on or off within the map search. To utilize your Interactive Map Layer collection when inside of a map search you'll open the layers menu and then mark the checkbox for the collection you want to use under "Display Interactive Layer". You'll see your colored layers from the collection then appear on the map where you can click on which layers you want to utilize for your search (pictured below):

When you click on the layer it will display in the layers menu as a sub-option under the Layer Collection name, it will also be accompanied by its own checkbox allow you to easily uncheck/check it without finding and clicking on the layer again.

If you have any questions about Interactive Map Layers feel free to reach out to support@wvmls.com or give us a call at 503-399-8657