Multi-Factor Authentication Required for All Flexmls Users

As you know, we are aware of and carefully watching scams that are targeting our industry. In an effort to further protect the MLS database, we will require that all members utilize Flexmls Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) beginning Monday, June 8.

You are likely very familiar with the process of gaining a security code in order to log in to a variety of destinations. You may have even already enabled this in Flexmls for yourself - thank you! For everyone else, this setting will turn on automatically on June 8.

Please know that we do not take this decision lightly but it is imperative that we take steps to keep the MLS secure in light of the advancing scams.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?

MFA adds a second layer of security to your login - whether on desktop or mobile app. In addition to your password, you will be asked to verify your identity with a one-time code sent to your phone via text message, phone call or authenticator app. This means that even if someone else has your password, they cannot access your account without also having access to your phone.

Don’t worry - if you select “remember this device” when completing MFA, you will not have to use a security code again for 30 days. MFA also allows you to be logged in on multiple known devices without ending other Flexmls sessions.

What Changes on June 8?

At your first login on or after June 8, you’ll enter your password as normal and then be prompted to complete the MFA setup by selecting your method and entering a security code. You can select to send it via text, phone or authenticator app. If you have already enabled MFA for your Flexmls account, nothing changes for you - you are all set.

MFA Code Options

You may use a text message, a phone call or an authenticator app to create the security code. An authenticator app is the most secure and highly recommended. If you are unfamiliar with authenticator apps, there are a variety of apps available on all smart phone app stores. The best way to begin is to simply choose one and begin exploring - any authenticator app will do.

Manually Enable MFA your Your Account

If you do nothing, this will happen automatically for your account on June 8. If you’d like to go ahead and turn this on now, you certainly can! Scroll down for instructions.

Important Tip for Texted Security Codes

For similar anti-scam reasons, many phone carriers recently enabled a feature to separate “Unknown Messages” from your known text messages. If you are not seeing a texted security code, it may have been filtered into this list. To check, change which “folder” you are viewing in your text messages and mark the MFA security code as “Known” - once you do this, it shouldn’t filter into Unknown again.

To avoid this potential issue, utilize an authenticator app which is easily accessible.

If you have any questions, please reach out to CHS Regional MLS Support at Support@CHSMLS.com or 843-760-9410.

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How to Manually Enable MFA Prior to June 8

If you'd like to get ahead of the change, follow the instructions below.

To enable Multi-Factor Authentication on your Flexmls account, click Menu > My Profile > Security > Enable and then follow the prompts to finalize the setting change.

1. Click My Profile under Preferences on the Flexmls menu.

2. Click Security.

3. In the Multi-Factor Authentication section of the page, click the Enable link. A page describing multi-factor authentication will display. Watch the video to learn more, or click Get Started to proceed with setting up multi-factor authentication.

4. Enter your password to confirm your identity. Click Next.

5. Choose how you want to receive your security code.

If you have a smartphone and want to use an app to receive security codes, click Use a mobile app. If you prefer to receive text messages instead, click Use text message . If you do not have a smartphone or cannot receive text messages, click Call my phone instead to receive security codes via voice call. After you make your selection, click Next.

1. Finish setting up multi-factor authentication using the method you selected.

   • Mobile App - If you selected Use a mobile app, click on the type of device (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or Windows Phone). Follow the instructions on the page to install and set up the app on your device, then click Next. The app will display a 6-digit security code. Enter the security code in Flexmls and click Next. On the next page, click Enable multi-factor authentication.
     

   • Text Message - If you selected Use text message , select your country code and then enter the mobile number you want to use. Click Next. You will receive a text message with a 6-digit security code. Enter the security code in Flexmls and click Next. On the next page, click Enable multi-factor authentication.
     

   • Phone Call - If you selected Call my phone instead, select your country code and then enter in the telephone number you want to use. Click Next. You will receive a voice call with a 6-digit security code. Enter the security code in Flexmls and click Next. On the next page, click Enable multi-factor authentication.
     

Once complete, you will see a confirmation message stating that you have successfully enabled multi-factor authentication. Click Done to exit.

Log in to Flexmls

After you enable multi-factor authentication, the next time you attempt to log in to Flexmls, you will be sent a verification code via the method you selected. You will be required to enter the verification code in order to log in.

The code resets every 30 seconds. If you are not able to enter it quickly enough, you can click Send me a new code to get another code. Click Remember this browser for 30 days to temporarily not require a code when you log in on the same browser and computer. In 30 days, you will be required to enter a code again to verify your identity.

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FAQs

I already have MFA set up. Do I need to do anything?

No, you are all set! If MFA is already active on your account, nothing will change for you on June 8. You will continue to log in the same way you do today.

Will I need to enter a code every single time I log in?

Not unless that is your preference. You will have the option to check a box to "remember the device for 30 days" and if you utilize that option, you will only need a code once every 30 days.

Will this be required in the Flexmls Pro app?

Yes, you will be prompted for MFA on app login, and you may choose to "remember this device for 30 days" as you can on mobile.

I'm not receiving my verification code text. What should I do?

First, check that your mobile number in your MLS profile is correct. Then check your phone's spam or filtered messages folder. iPhone users: check the Unknown Senders list in the Messages app (tap Filters → Unknown Senders). Android users: check the Spam & Blocked folder in Google Messages, or your Samsung Messages spam folder. Carrier-level filtering can also sometimes block verification codes — if the issue persists, contact your carrier or reach out to MLS Support.

How do I update my mobile number on file?

Log in to your MLS account and click Menu in the upper left corner, then My Profile > Security and you'll see the MFA phone settings. If you need help locating this, contact MLS Support and we will walk you through it.

Why is CHS Regional MLS requiring MFA now?

We have seen an increase in fraudulent activity targeting MLS member accounts, including attempts to gain unauthorized access and post fake listings. MFA is one of the most effective tools available to prevent unauthorized access, even when a password has been compromised. Protecting our members and the integrity of the MLS is our top priority.

What if I don't have a smartphone?

MFA codes can be sent as a text message to any mobile phone, including basic cell phones. As long as your phone can receive text messages, you are covered.

If you have any questions, please reach out to CHS Regional MLS Support at Support@CHSMLS.com or 843-760-9410.