Real Estate Board warns renters to be vigilant against scams

 

The Real Estate Board is urging Jamaicans searching for homes to rent after Hurricane Melissa to be extra vigilant amid a spike in real estate fraud.

 

Andrew James, the board's chairman, says scammers have begun posing as real estate agents, lifting legitimate listings from established companies and reposting them on TikTok to trick people out of their hard-earned money.

 

Speaking Monday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106 FM, Mr. James explained that fraudsters are demanding payments before allowing interested persons to view a property.

 

He stressed that no licensed real estate agent will ever require money before viewing a property. 

 

"Firstly, if you see an ad in the paper or advertised on any of the social media, of houses, it's important to confirm with the Real Estate Board first. The same number there, is it the same number in the ad? If you call and the person says my name is 'A. Brown', ask what the 'A' stands for. Then you go on the website, Real Estate Board website, and of course, you can confirm if it's the same number as the one on the TikTok video. There's also a dealer address, dealer name. So you need to call that company to confirm if in fact it's the same person that you have been in discussion with," he advised. 

 

Mr. James reminded the public that it is a criminal offence under the law to conduct  real estate transactions without a licence. 

 

He urged victims of fraud to file a complaint with the Real Estate Board and the police. 

 

Meanwhile, Mr. James said the Real Estate Board will soon be sharing information with the public about scammers convicted of fraud in an effort to "name them and shame them". 

 

"We'll be also providing direct, pointed guidance in terms of persons who need property to rent or to purchase," he added.