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Mimi Foster, Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor (Falcon Property Company)

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2,704,587
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   If it doesn't feel right, it isn't. 

Feb 20, 2018 12:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,535,564
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Not familiar with them, but it sounds like they might be a bit fishy.  It's not my wheelhouse to pay for leads, so I can't say anything for certain.

Feb 20, 2018 12:00 PM
Ambassador
5,157,056
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Haven't heard of them til now. How can they be any different than any other pay-per lead?

Feb 20, 2018 11:14 AM
Rainmaker
87,366
Melania & Jim Saltarella
Atlanta Communities - Marietta, GA
Experience the Magic!

Both yesterday and today we received a telephone call from "Edward," who said he was a "volunteer" for Union Reporters, a company that claims to be  "the largest Union and Military information center in the world."  He wanted to place our information on their website so their 1.2 million followers can be referred to us.  He had me visit their website www.UnionReporters.com and gave me an overview.   There were no referral fees involved, and Union Reporters did not charge any fee at all.   It took a while for him to finally admit there was a one time set up fee of $525, not by Union Reporters, but by a marketing company named Plann Media that would set up our presence on their website.  He said that there was a one year money back guarantee, and that if we did not make that much from commissions within the first year, we would be refunded the $525 fee, so there was no risk.  He said that he could not send any outgoing email to us with the guarantee or any other information because he was just a volunteer, which I thought was fishy.  They money back policy disclosed on Union Reporters' website is gibberish.  I typed into google "is Union Reporters a scam?" and the first item that showed up is http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/5462/fake_union_advertising_scams_flourish_online/.   A few lines down was this ActiveRain thread.  We are certainly fortunate that Active Rain has such computer savvy real estate agents that protect each other from this sort of thing.   It turns out both Plann Media and Union Reporters work out of the same Las Vegas post office box, the websites have a trust score of 38%, have been around for less than a year, and on Plann Media's website they write that they offer a custom marketing video, however it reads "we offer a costume marketing video."  

Jul 06, 2018 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,209,271
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

Say it out loud and trust your gut.  Oh, and call my husband back.  He misses you.  LOL!!!  

Feb 20, 2018 06:13 PM
Rainmaker
5,774,095
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Mimi,

I have heard of similar companies...and in my humble opinion why pay for a lead?

Feb 20, 2018 01:09 PM
Rainmaker
5,289,729
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

That's a new one on me... but I guess new ones spring up daily.

Feb 20, 2018 11:18 AM
Rainmaker
5,584,578
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I've never had to pay for leads.... I get my own listings.... don't want buyers!!!

Feb 20, 2018 10:55 AM
Rainmaker
410,235
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Owner,Broker

I just received another call from them today.  Funny how they claim to be A rated with the BBB yet two people at their company couldn't locate it with me online to prove it.  I was shocked to see how five local agents signed up with them.  I tracked their video's to YouTube and the views were less than 20 each!

I suggest going to your local union hall (if there is one) and ask the members if they had ever heard of this website.  If they haven't, how would they know to find you on it?

Of course is someone types in the long tail key words into a search engine, you will find them but you have to type in the exact words.

My vote is "NO" to this company.

Mar 09, 2018 09:44 AM
Ambassador
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I haven't heard of them, Mimi - what is the 'twist?'

Feb 20, 2018 09:59 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Never heard of this one but have thought about getting a restraining order for Adwerxs.

 

Feb 20, 2018 09:11 PM
Rainmaker
4,322,035
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Mimi Foster learning from you here for the first time! Thanks for sharing - will be cautious.

Feb 20, 2018 09:10 PM
Rainmaker
5,254,111
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Never heard of them and if it your gut doesn't feel good about it say no. I don't pay for leads..I generate my own.

Feb 20, 2018 05:06 PM
Rainer
453,959
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

Listen to your gut!

Feb 20, 2018 12:28 PM
Rainmaker
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Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I have not Mimi Foster 

Feb 20, 2018 10:43 AM
Rainmaker
18,921
Tod Franklin
Dallas, TX

I just got sucked into to Union Reporter sales funnel. I believe you are correct in your assessment. I was told I would get a free listing in the directory, then that turned into a $500 setup expense. Then I was asked to participate in a $1,500 per month Youtube video ad program. I said no and was scolded for not supporting veterans. Meantime other Veteran groups started calling with there own ad scams. 

Jan 30, 2019 02:22 PM
Rainer
5,485
Katrina Heifner
RE/MAX Town & Country - Allen, TX

Glad that you posted this.  I do pay for on line leads, but this guy made me mad on the phone so we ended the call!  Thank you for saving me the headache!

Jan 18, 2019 09:50 AM
Rainer
3,810
Eddie Nadwodny
E 5 Realty - Frisco, TX
Real Estate Residential Multi-Family Investments

 I received a phone call today and had the exact conversation that Melania & Jim Saltarella had. I told him I needed to think about it and do some research, he told me the slot might be gone in the morning. Thank you everyone for your information and research on this one, I am amazed on how many scam calls we get!

 

Jan 02, 2019 05:08 PM
Rainmaker
15,095
Michelle Y. Madison
COMPASS - Rancho Mirage, CA

I recieved a call from them today! I too wanted to find out more about them. I can usually detect the -soliciting pay for lead calls - but this gentleman was pretty mild considering.  He claimed to be a former brokerage owner.

Thank you for sharing this info because now I will cancel this call scheduled for tomorrow morning! Always follow your gut. :) 

Nov 07, 2018 09:55 AM
Rainer
1,025
Kirsten Lin

I am not in real estate, but I found this thread today and had to comment.  I fell prey to the Union Reporters/Plann Media scam.  I want to warn others so they don't make the same mistake.  I have reported them to the BBB.

Oct 05, 2018 06:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,372
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Does not seem or feel right. I know I was asked by another lead company to try their "leads" for free for the sole cost of writing a positive review. 

Feb 20, 2018 02:48 PM
Rainmaker
8,126,271
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

No contact.

Feb 20, 2018 12:43 PM
Ambassador
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Never heard of them. 

Feb 20, 2018 12:14 PM
Rainmaker
683,806
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Sounds like a scam ...

Feb 20, 2018 11:38 AM
Rainmaker
402,032
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

I've never heard of them, but I suspect they're much like the others, but with a different pitch and packaging. 

Feb 20, 2018 11:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,869,178
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Never heard of it.

Feb 20, 2018 10:44 AM
Rainer
22,341
Patty Hopkins
Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway - Vacaville, CA
GRI

FYI: Today 8/6/19 at 12:30 pacific time I was on the phone with Steven Wilson of Union Reporters.com listening to his schpeel.  When I asked (after finding this post) about the start up fee he got HIGHLY insulted and told me I was no longer eligible for their program.

Hmmm....asking questions and doing your own research disqualifies you.  Sounds like a legit business to me, right?

Aug 06, 2019 12:37 PM
Ambassador
1,049,641
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Michelle Y. Madison ~ I have had several calls/emails since I posted this telling me what a scam it is. And I totally agree. The representative was so polite and non-pushy on the phone - better than most. Glad you figured it out in time.

Nov 07, 2018 03:54 PM
Rainmaker
5,986,882
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have received MANY "scam likely" calls, and always let them go to voice mail.  Have not heard of this company.

Feb 22, 2018 01:59 PM
Rainmaker
5,177,385
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

That is a new one on me and I am like you, I do not pay for leads.

 

Feb 22, 2018 06:41 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,282
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Sorry, never heard anything about them.

Feb 21, 2018 06:12 AM
Rainmaker
5,096,636
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I have never heard of them.

Feb 21, 2018 05:27 AM
Rainmaker
3,074,289
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

We have not

Feb 21, 2018 05:00 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,138
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have not heard of them and don't do paid lead either.

Feb 20, 2018 07:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,713,581
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Nope.

Feb 20, 2018 07:11 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,473
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I would say..RUN!

Feb 20, 2018 04:39 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I have not heard of them nor do I pay for leads!

Feb 20, 2018 04:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,257
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Mimi Foster I have not heard of them. If they aren't paying for leads, they might be paying referral fees. Either way they are paying.

Feb 20, 2018 01:35 PM
Rainmaker
4,273,331
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I have never heard of the Union Reporters?

Feb 20, 2018 11:48 AM