As a Realtor®, your top priority is to provide exceptional service to your clients and facilitate successful real estate transactions. However, in the digital age, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to defraud unsuspecting professionals like you. Recently, two North Central Jersey Association of Realtors (NCJAR) brokers were targeted by a scammer who sought to take advantage of their expertise. It is crucial for all real estate agents, especially those operating in Morris County, NJ, to be vigilant and informed about such fraudulent activities.

The Scam

The scammer in this case reached out to NCJAR brokers, claiming to have vacant land available for sale in Morris County, NJ. The scammer insisted on selling the property quickly and at a surprisingly low price. To add an air of legitimacy, they provided the broker with the owner's identification information, which they might have obtained through various illicit means.

Red Flags to Look Out For

Congratulations to William “Bill” Flagg of ERA Queen City Realty, Scotch Plains, for being selected to receive the prestigious NCJAR REALTOR® of the Year Award for 2023.

A well-respected REALTOR®, Broker and mentor within the community, Bill has been licensed since 1982. He is a longtime recipient of the New Jersey REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award and is also a NCJAR CE instructor. Bill has been a Trustee since 2006 of the former Greater Union County Association of REALTORS® then, post-merger with the North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® to the present day. Bill held the positions of both Treasurer and President

Elect in both associations. Bill served as NCJAR’s 2022 President. (Additionally, President of the former Greater Union County Association of REALTORS® 2009 and 2010).

Congratulations to Alishia Taiping of Guaranteed Rate Affinity for being selected to receive the NCJAR Affiliate of the Year Award for 2023. The Affiliate of the Year award is bestowed on an Affiliate Member who has been actively involved with the North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® contributing time and energy in supporting the Association’s initiatives.

Meet Alishia Taiping, your friendly neighborhood Mortgage Guru with Guaranteed Rate Affinity. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, she’s a seasoned pro with a splash of sunshine and smiles.

When she’s not crunching numbers and helping people secure their dream homes, Alishia wears a few other hats – she’s also a devoted mother to Wenona and Gavin, frontwoman of indie pop/rock band “Forget the Whale”, and Treasurer of the South Orange Elks Lodge #1154.