Some agents reach out with concerns when a lead appears to be from another country (for example China or elsewhere) and ask whether the lead is authentic or safe to contact.
This guide explains why this happens and what you should do.
Why a Lead May Appear From Another Country
Seeing a foreign country attached to a lead is very common and does not automatically mean the lead is fake.
Here are the most common reasons this happens:
The person may be travelling or living between countries
Many buyers search for properties while travelling or while living part-time in another country. It is very common for people to:
Travel to Canada or the US
Search for homes while abroad
Own or plan to own properties in more than one country
Facebook auto-registers phone numbers
When leads come through Facebook, the platform often auto-registers the phone number based on the user’s original or “home” country.
This means:
The phone number may show a foreign country code
The person may still be physically located in your market
The lead can still be genuine and interested
Because of this, phone numbers alone are not always reliable indicators of a lead’s location.
Why Email Is Often the Best First Contact
In cases like this, we strongly recommend contacting the lead by email first.
Email helps you:
Confirm the person’s interest
Understand their actual location and intent
Avoid unnecessary phone calls before verification
This is exactly why our team usually suggests email outreach when a lead appears international.
Should You Contact the Lead?
✅ Yes, you can contact them
✅ Start with email rather than calling
✅ Ask simple qualifying questions (location, timeline, interest)
A foreign country label does not mean the lead is a scam or inauthentic.
Key Takeaway
Foreign country indicators are often caused by Facebook’s auto-registration
Many genuine buyers search while travelling or living abroad
Email is the safest and most effective first step
These leads can still turn into real opportunities
If you ever feel unsure about a specific lead, our support team is always here to help review it with you.