he Real Estate industry has benefited greatly from technological advances on the one side, but on the other side it has also made it easier for scammers to prey on unsuspecting buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and agents.
Steve van Wyk, MD of Seeff Centurion, lists the below precautions with regards to sales and rentals to minimise the risks of falling victim to real estate fraud in either category.
With regard to rentals:
Van Wyk says the below red lights should not be ignored when it comes to rentals:
Van Wyk adds that he also advises people who know that they will be seeking rental accommodation to start looking for rentals timeously as to avoid becoming desperate.
"Desperation may lead to hasty decisions and unnecessary shortcuts or may force you to settle for a place that you either don't like or can't afford".
With regard to sales:
Outlined below are some pointers that should raise red flags when considering a sale: