Since the agent is not a member of the Realtor organization they have no authority. However the legal counsel in Chicago should know and do what they have to do to enforce the brand registration violation. The real estate commission should also be notified about the false advertising and misrepresentation.

Barbara well it's been my experience that rarely are folks 'called on the carpet' about these kind of issues. It is interesting that he has been doing that for years and couldn't give a hoot.

R symbol is no big deal but you do have to be a Realtor obviously. Not much that you can do honestly except contact the board.

I don't NAR in Chicago will do bupkiss.

A cease and desist order would likely be the first and only step NAR does.  The board will likely only do a slap on the wrist, if anything.  I've known people who've done a LOT worse than that and went to the disciplinary hearing at the board and ended up with the board apologizing to him for wasting HIS TIME!!

Personally, I wouldn't waste my time with reporting it.  Just like the websites out there with the term "realtor" in the URL.  They've been around for many years, no one does a darn thing about it. 

A foolish practice by this agent, but I try to follow a few rules that would prevent me from doing anything about it.

1. Do on to other as... (the golden rule)

2. Keep my eyes on my own paper (the Susan Emo rule)

Most people won't care or even notice those desiginations on cards or websites. I wouldn't take any action. The agents broker is the one that should be monitoring false advertising by their agents.

Barbara,  I do tend to lean on the side of being a "right fighter."  I have learned over the years that I waste my time filing complaints. In the end, I have learned that for the most part, no one gives a crap.  It's a shame that more is not done to violators when so many do play by the rules and pay the dues. 

Barbara,

Well, that is a good question.  Somehow as a society, we seem to be satisfied with a slap on the wrist for our actions.  This is not unique to real estate, by the way.  A

That would probably be something where the board where he was doing this would do a cease and desist order. The real estate commission could be involved if the person's license had been placed but again I think the board attorney should act on this.

Barbara, I'm sure you've given plenty of thought to what this guy's actions do to weaken the public trust in all of us. Even if most consumers don't do their homework, sooner or later what you've found out will be discovered by a consumer. 

If we aren't willing to police our own profession, what will our state regulatory people will do? I'm not talking about NAR or Realtor boards here.  For those in the real estate community who seem to despise regulation, do you really want your State officials to step in and impose their own way of dealing with agents who mislead the public?

There are many people who do that and it's something that we all need to report.  For example, those of us with our CRS don't appreciate others who don't even have the sales to acquire their CRS designation but, claim publicly that they have it.  We worked hard for our designations and pay annual dues and it's a slap in the face when agents get away with this.  

Well, as far as as I know, it is an intentional misrepresentation. Someone will report this person sooner or later, and they should. 

Barbara Todaro Must be reported to NAR.

Allow for the punishment that is already upon them i.e. poverty of spirit

Call the agent.

I would file a complaint not only with the local Board but also the National Organization. Will they take action? Hopefully. Will there be any repercussions? Hopefully!

This is huge to me as a dues paying Realtor and should be huge to the industry. We subscribe to a Code of Ethics as Realtors requiring honesty in how we conduct our business. This guy is acting as a fraud and should be reported.

I'd certainly report it to my association's Grievance and Ethics committee. That is true misrepresentation.

The Real Estate Commision and/or Board needs to be involved so they can follow up with the agent.  I do think it's unfortunate that the agent feels the need to be deceptive.

Tha would be a big YES.

I'm not at all surprised - I know some who use designations that have never taken the courses LOL

I don't know.

As The Maestro Kenneth J. Jones wrote!

If I had proof, I would report them.

goes back to integrity

Hi Barbara. Sounds like fraud to me

It seems that there are many that do mot read any of the rules and regulations and feel it does not apply to them.

If they need to steal from Peter to pay Paul so be it.

Not aware of ongoing annual dues for e-Pro

Is it worth your time and effort?  It's sad but take the high road.

Barbara Todaro - not ethical. I may complain after asking this person to remove these symbols.

Realtor can be reported, epro is a private company, not sure what they'd do if they're even still in business, I know they were close to BK when they didn't diversify in 2012.

I cold report to the proper authorities

     I would move on.  

I am assuming he is an agent.  My association boots you out if you don't pay up and you don't have access to listings to sell.  If you are one month late there is a one hundred dollar fine then they turn off your use.

Not playing by the rules is not nice. I  will be watching for the outcome.

This is the type of thing that would be huge to a disgruntled client. This would give the client plenty of ammunition in a law suit.  Outside of that, I do believe we should be self-policing, otherwise what is the value of being a REALTOR?

I'm definitely against this and agree with Debbie Reynolds 

The real question would be whether NAR would aggressively pursue a trademark infringement against the individual. Not sure how well it could defend the position since REALTOR in the public eye appears to define anyone who holds a real estate license. The complaint should be made however the local board must know by now that the action is wrong and have not issued a cease & desist to end its use.

I think the powers that be at Realtor would have something to say about it. I am not sure about state laws, but it could be breking a couple. 

Barbara Todaro I believe all you can do is turn him into your local Association. It wold be their decision to take legal action. This would fall under a trademark violation. It would be up to them to send a cease and desist letter. 

I would imagine unauthorized use of the realtor R would be a big no-no if you reported it to the NAR.

I would not take any action other than mentioning this to the local board.

A mere slap on the wrist for that kind of character would do nothing.

The owner and/or licensor of the trademarks and/or registered trademarks can choose to take appropriate action in accordance with the laws and regulations of the relevant jurisdiction(s).

Seems like a slap on the wrist and a fine is the most common action taken. Maybe the agent should pay all past dues for the years he/she falsely advertised and be required to pay for and take the e-pro class?   I'm not sure...seems like a odd thing to do, but then again people aren't always ethical or truthful...-Kasey

Turn tghem in and hope they have to pay big time.

I would report it. It is false and misleading to the public.

I think if I knew, then I would report it.  I would have to be sure about it. 

You are suggesting this agent has no access to the MLS.

How is this  staying in business?

Using anothers MLS membership or did they find a way?

I would not go running to mommy but would watch and see.

Be aware, if you go 'scorched earth' there will be consequences and one with the courage to go rogue may see no boundaries.

However, I do understand the feeling of relevance one receives when throwing others under the bus.

hmm well I am not sure I've never run into this or heard of it.. if its worth the hassle to you to report maybe call the local board

Report them to the local board. 

You have to pay to play! And follow the rules!

They are not to be using these.  I stopped paying the annual ABR designation, and have removed from my marketing.