Detective Roberts with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is warning REALTORS® of a purported advertising scam targeting high end real estate agents. Although these are only allegations and everyone is afforded the presumption of innocence, the Arizona Association of REALTORS® is sharing the below information so that its members can be on alert and make informed decisions when purchasing advertising space.

According to Detective Roberts, the suspect is cold calling agents, offering to place their properties in a variety of magazines (Luxury Communities of Scottsdale, Luxury Properties of Scottsdale, etc.). The price is extremely low and that is the hook used to convince agents to start paying for the service. The suspect will make one or two magazines and will give them to the victim, yet fails to distribute the magazines as he is contracted to do.

This suspect goes by the name of Peter Veitch. He has an LLC out of Florida which is named The Veitch Group USA. Veitch also uses Veitch Media to sponsor the fake magazines. His phone number begins with a 250 area code and his email is peter@azbrits.com. According to police, the suspect speaks with a British accent and claims to be from London or Vancouver. He often disappears during the summer and then reappears around October/November at which point he resumes contacting agents in an attempt to sell advertising space that authorities warn is fake.

Detective Roberts reports that there are currently six agents that are victims of the purported scam. The biggest loss so far is approximately $20,000.  If you feel you are being defrauded by this suspect, Detective Roberts can be contacted at R_Roberts@MCSO.gov.

Whenever purchasing advertising space, REALTORS® are encouraged to research the company with which they are contracting by using platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and BBB (Better Business Bureau). References from past and current clients should be requested and REALTORS® should take the time to contact those individuals to ask about their experience. Whenever purchasing advertising space, a contract should be utilized spelling out pricing, deliverables, timelines, cancellation terms, and refund policies. Finally, watch for red flags such as high-pressure sales tactics, unrealistic promises, requests for full payment upfront absent a contract, and vague or evasive answers when asking for references or ad metrics.

* The information and allegations shared above are precautionary in nature and do not represent a finding of guilt or misconduct.