Note: PII has been changed for privacy reasons.

I keep getting text messages from realtors or real estate investors, all calling me “Mike” (not my name) and asking if I would be interested in selling my home at [address] in Sandy, Utah.

In addition to the name being wrong, I lived in the Salt Lake area for over 40 years, but have never owned any property that far south, and I haven’t lived in Utah since 2015. So today I did a bit more digging.

Tax records show that the property in question is owned by Mike [obscured], and a quick search at a data aggregator shows that this individual has several phone numbers listed, one of which is mine.

I’ve had this same phone number since the introduction of the cell phone, so I’m not sure how my number got associated with this Mike gentleman. I’ve petitioned the aggregation service to remove it, and we’ll see if this goes anywhere.

At any rate, here are the messages I received:

8/22/2019 – from (385) 250-0401
Hi Mike, I’m Nate and I know this is a shot in the dark but I saw your house at [address]. Would you possibly consider selling it?

1/29/2020 – from (435) 265-3414
Hi Mike! Mark here! I’m a local investor looking for properties in Sandy! Would you be open to an offer on your property at [address]?

4/6/2020 – from (435) 304-4355
Hello Mike this is Brenden. Sorry for reaching out in these uncertain times. I’m looking for a house to buy in the neighborhood. I’m curious if you are looking to cash out equity before a possible market shift on [address]. I’d love to see if we might be able to work together.

5/29/2020 – from 304-3769
Hello Mike, we’re looking to pick up some properties and was wondering if you’d be open to an offer on [address]? – Jake

Well, I chatted with “Jake” for a while as though I were “Mike” and might be interested. He asked about details on the house, and I asked him for his full name, the name of his agency, and the name of his broker. He responded,

I’m a local real estate investor – I’m looking for another rental or rehab project and I like the area.

Notice that he didn’t provide any of the requested information. I then laid out the entire situation for him and essentially asked him what his game was. His response?

There are so many red flags surfacing around this chain of messages that I feel like Tootle in the meadow.

I have no idea what these people’s game is – I wish I knew – but I suspect it’s not on the up and up, especially given the fact that multiple individuals (supposedly) are contacting me regarding a property that is not even on the market.

Be careful out there. Never give out sensitive personal or financial information unless you know exactly who you are dealing with, and why.

The Old Wolf has spoken.