Your search results

3 Steps to Prevent Rental Scams

Posted by Jayson Ang on January 23, 2024

| 0

TLDR: Prevent Rental Scams in Real Estate

Scammers are targeting prospective tenants by impersonating Real Estate Salespersons (RES) to deceive victims into making payments for deposits. To avoid falling victim to such scams, consumers should follow three crucial steps:

Verify CEA Registration: Ensure that the RES’s CEA registration matches the CEA’s registry.

Check Contact Details: Confirm that the RES’s contact number is registered with CEA.

Direct Communication: Verify that the RES can be reached via a call using the registered contact number.

By following these steps, consumers can protect themselves from rental scams in the real estate market. Additionally, resources such as videos and CEA webpages provide further guidance on avoiding such fraudulent activities.

Scammers have targeted prospective tenants, and have impersonated Real Estate Salespersons (“RES”) to request for payments of deposits to secure a viewing or secure a lease via a tenancy agreement, and forwarding tenancy agreement to be signed or e-signed by the unsuspecting victim.

To do the above, scammers impersonate RES with existing and valid Council for Estate Agents (“CEA”) Registration number, and with valid listings on property portals. Scammers will also use the RES’s profile picture and display the RES’s phone number in WhatsApps and/or other communication mode.

It is therefore important for consumers to follow the 3 steps below:

STEP 1: ENSURE the CEA registration of the RES tallies with CEA’s Registry;
STEP 2: ENSURE the contact number of the RES is registered with CEA; and
STEP 3: ENSURE the RES can be contacted via call using the contact number registered with CEA.

You can also watch and share this short video https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1290133575173534 which contains the 3 simple steps.

Arising from the recent spate of scams involving fake property listings and impersonation of RES, CEA,
together with the Singapore Police Force (“SPF”), have reached out to PropNex to do more for our PropNexians and consumers.

You can visit this CEA webpage at https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/rental-scams and Facebook which contain information on how to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Please share this message with your friends and families, in order for them to share with others.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Will New Launch Condos See a Drop in Prices Soon?

Jayson Ang – July 12, 2024 –

TLDR The real estate market in Singapore is experiencing a trend of lackluster bids for prime properties in various locations....

All Buying Tips Opinion

Say Goodbye to “Sell One, Buy Two” Approach in 2024

Jayson Ang – June 24, 2024 –

TLDR Summary: The "Sell One, Buy Two" real estate tactic, popularized in 2016-2017, involves selling a property and buying two...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Sushi Restaurants in Singapore

Jayson Ang – May 2, 2024 –

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and culinary delights, is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene. Among the...

Mandarin Top 5

The 5 Secrets To Successful Singapore Property Investing Revealed

Jayson Ang – July 4, 2024 –

The vibrant property market in Singapore has attracted numerous investors and speculators looking to profit from the nation's thriving conditions....

All Buying Tips

Can Your HDB Flat Safeguard Your Retirement?

Jayson Ang – December 7, 2022 –

TLDR The HDB market has seen significant changes over the years, with many young owners looking to upgrade to private...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Factors : The Benefits Of Investing In A Property With Good Access To Green Spaces In Singapore

Jayson Ang – June 30, 2024 –

Real estate investment has always been considered a sound investment decision, as it offers long-term growth potential and a reliable...

All Buying Tips

What Type of Properties Can a Permanent Resident PR Buy in Singapore?

Jayson Ang – August 13, 2023 –

TLDR When it comes to purchasing property in Singapore as a Permanent Resident or Foreign National, there are specific restrictions...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons : Why Investing in Singapore’s Property Market Is a Smart Move for Expats – Expert Analysis!

Jayson Ang – February 7, 2025 –

Singapore, a thriving city-state in Southeast Asia, has long been a popular destination for expatriates seeking new opportunities and a...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Common Misconceptions About Buying Property in Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR) in 2025

Jayson Ang – October 22, 2025 –

TLDR Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR) is often seen as a safe, luxurious, and exclusive property segment. However, this view...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Dispelling Common Myths: Navigating Singapore’s Property Market in 2025

Jayson Ang – January 6, 2026 –

TLDR Singapore’s property market in 2025 is fast-moving and different from five years ago. Buyers often overestimate available options due...

Mandarin Top 5

Singapore Sights & Sounds: 5 Must-Know Facts From the Little Red Dot

Jayson Ang – March 7, 2025 –

Singapore, affectionately known as the Little Red Dot, is a vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia that boasts a unique blend...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Decoding the HDB Classification: The New Prime, Plus & Standard – What It Means for Singaporeans

Jayson Ang – December 26, 2023 –

TLDR The National Day Rally 2023 introduced a new classification for HDB flats, replacing the old 'mature versus non-mature estates'...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Case Study : The Dark Side of Property Investing in Singapore: Scams, Fraud, and Risks

Jayson Ang – October 1, 2024 –

Singapore's property market has long been considered a lucrative investment sector, attracting investors and speculators looking to profit from the...