Protecting Yourself from Spam Text Messages: How to Identify, Prevent, and Report Scammers

How to Identify a Spam Text Message:

Spammers use various tactics to lure you into interacting with them. Although we can't cover all of them, here are some common examples of their attempts to hack your accounts or steal your data:

• Pretending to be someone you know and asking for money or gift cards

• Texting you coupons that you never signed up for

• Sending you a link to track a package

• Claiming there was an issue with a payment and asking you to verify your account information

• Requesting your personal information through text

Things You Can Do to Prevent and Report Scammers:

• Avoid clicking on links that you did not request as it may lead to malware or data theft

• Do not reply back to spam messages as it may alert scammers that your phone number is active

• Block the number to avoid receiving further messages

• Copy the message and send it to 7726 (SPAM)

• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting ftc.gov/complaint.

#Spam #WVMLSTips #Safety

New Property Report Improvements In CRS Tax Data

CRS Tax Data recently received one new section and one updated section within Property Reports.

The improved section is the "Property Characteristics: Building" section which has been updated to show a tabbed report. The additional tabs "Combined Report" and "MLS (######)" will only show if the property has a linked WVMLS listing.

The new Combined Report will show side by side how the Assessor and MLS information compare for: Bedrooms, Total Bathrooms, Year Built, Improvement Sq. Ft., and Acreage (pictured below).

The tabs additional tabs allow you to view the Assessor's or WVMLS' S information individually.

A new section added is "Internet Access" which in time show information on which providers are available at the property. The producer of this data is working on confirming service so in time this can be used as an insightful tool to show buyers (pictured below).

To learn more about CRS Tax Data register for the upcoming CRS Tax Data Webinar on Tuesday, December 17 @ 2PM at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GqaIGysnRZ6GLQSRJQ2Phg

Paragon Connect Updates: Reverse Prospecting & Customizable Dashboard

Two great new improvements have released on Paragon Connect!

Reverse prospecting has been added to Paragon Connect. Here are some highlights:

• Listing agents can see counts of all contact matches, but never the identity of the contact 

• Reverse prospect emails are sent individually to each contact’s associated member, no other members will see details about your matching contacts 

• New ‘Search by Reverse Prospect ID’ to identify matched contacts easily 

• Members may choose to opt out of receiving Reverse Prospecting emails and the new ‘Match My Contacts’ feature

It starts with a new system setting in Paragon Connect called "Reverse Prospecting:"

You can find the Reverse Prospecting report for Paragon Connect right within the Published Listing module in Listing Maintenance! This feature lets you prospect on listings you manage with ease. Simply access it as a quick-link action in your overflow menu. Accessed by clicking the three dots stacked on top of each other vertically.

When accessed the Reverse Prospecting allows you to see what contacts are in WVMLS that have matched with your listing. This will also allow you the ability to contact the member whose contact matched with your listing.

A customizable dashboard has finally arrived to Paragon Connect!

To get started click the new settings button found in the top right corner of the Paragon Connect homescreen:

Once you do you'll be greeted by a menu that allows you to choose a Primary Widget or customize your Secondary Widgets.

Primary Widget

The default is Buyer Activity or you can choose to hide the Primary Widget.

The Primary Widget is located in the top middle of the homepage:

Secondary Widgets

There are 7 secondary widgets:

Quick Actions: Gives links to different parts of Paragon Connect easily accessible.

My Inventory: Shows the last 90 days of activity regarding your listings.

Unread Comments: Shows any unread comments from contacts and allows you to easily reply.

Last 5 Searches: Paragon stores a rolling last 5 searches within the application this widget displays them for quick and easy access.

Property Watches: Shows any active property watches and allows you to easily jump to them.

Listing Carts: Shows any created listing carts and allows easy access to them.

My Saved Searches: Will show the last 5 saved searches with the ability to easily jump to them or view all saved searches.

Picture of all active secondary widgets:

With these two updates Paragon Connect continues to improve! If you have any questions about these features please email us at support@wvmls.com.