Carte BlancheThe details of realtors are easily found online – including photos – making it a breeze for criminals to impersonate them. Criminals then trick customers into paying large sums of money for properties that are not available for rent.
Realnet Managing Director Gerhard Kotze said that the average loss for customers that Realnet dealt with was between R8,000 and R30,000. He added that there are possibly two to four cases coming in every day – other people may not report the incident. Kotze added that those interested in renting could protect themselves by asking an agent for their fidelity fund number. That certificate number can be found on the regulatory authority’s website, proving that the agent is legitimate. If the person cannot do that, it is likely a scam.suggests that potential renters google the agent’s cell number and email address to see if all available information corresponds.
The Department said that a message circulating WhatsApp claiming to assist residents in receiving a house within two weeks, with residents asked to pay R2,300 for the title deed and the approval letter. The Department added that no payment must be put on the waiting list for a residential property.