It Is Called A Private ID For A Reason

Management

It Is Called A Private ID For A Reason
by Sam  Scott



It is very important that you do not share or disclose your MLS password to anybody.  This is password is usually called a “private ID” while your MLS user designation is called the “public ID”.  Your public ID is a widely available identifier that is used to designate your listings and the transactions in which you cooperate.  Your private ID is the secret password that is used to authenticate your identity for access to your private Realtor information.  If the wrong person got your private ID, then it could cause you many problems and cost you a lot of money.

Internet access increases opportunity for abuse because the new TEMPO MLS system can be accessed from any Internet connection on the planet.  The old Stellar system actually required that special software be loaded on a PC before you could access the MLS system, so that lowered the potential for system abuse.  Because the new MLS system is so much more accessible, it is that much more important that you maintain the secrecy of your private ID.

No reputable vendor needs your private ID.  We have recently seen several vendors of website services who included a blank on their subscription form for your private ID, and they were requiring Realtors to provide their MLS password.  In several cases, this was because the vendor was not authorized by HAR Board of Directors to access MLS data.  The vendor was using the Realtor’s private ID to circumvent MLS access restrictions.  Reputable vendors who have agreed to follow some simple guidelines are provided with their own access to the MLS system when the board of directors approves and authorizes their service offering. 

Customers could access sensitive information with your private ID.  In other cities that have gone to an Internet based MLS system, there have been cases where an overly helpful Realtor has allowed a home shopping client to use the Realtor’s own MLS system password.  This dangerous practice exposes the Realtor to loss and liability.  Anybody with your MLS password could tamper with or alter your listing information.  They could also know when your listing agreements expire and attempt to cut you out of your commission.  They could even use information in the private remarks and showing instructions to assist in a home burglary.  Given the wide access to most MLS information on publicly accessible websites like HAR.com or Realtor.com, there is no reason why a customer needs access to the MLS system.

Finally, it is against the rules to share your private ID with anybody and the fine for violating this rule is $500 for the first offense.  Repeated violation of this rule may result in the termination of your MLS privileges.  The integrity of the MLS database, as well as the safety, security and livelihood of other Realtors and their clients depends upon maintaining the security of the MLS system.  If you feel that your private ID may have fallen into the wrong hands, then contact HAR’s membership department and request that your private ID be changed.


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Copyright© 2002, Sam Scott. All right reserved. For information contact Frog Pond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@frogpond.com.