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.