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 Blog Posts Buying Tips

5 Facilities Selling Points Condo Sellers Should Emphasize To Entice Potential Buyers

Jayson Ang – May 23, 2023 –

TLDR When selling a condo, focusing on highlighting key facilities like gyms, swimming pools, family-friendly amenities, community gardens, and clubhouse...

Buying Tips Mandarin Top 5

5 Hidden Expenses to Watch Out for When Buying a Home in Singapore

Jayson Ang – July 2, 2023 –

5 Hidden Expenses to Watch Out for When Buying a Home in Singapore Buying a property in Singapore can be...

All Buying Tips

44 Exciting New Condo Launches in 2024 Starting at $1,402!

Jayson Ang – June 4, 2024 –

Alright, let's talk about 2024. We're not expecting the same kind of shortages we've seen after COVID-19. Some folks are...

Mandarin Top 5

Why Property Investing is the Key to Early Retirement in Singapore

Jayson Ang – April 28, 2024 –

Investing in property is a popular way to build wealth and achieve financial freedom in Singapore. With the right strategies...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Fresh Take On What Singapore Condo Buyers Want In 2025

Jayson Ang – September 4, 2025 –

TLDR 2025 property buyers in Singapore are more discerning, prioritizing transparency, smart design, and real quality over flashy gimmicks. They...

All Blog Posts Opinion

Breaking Through the Stalemate of En Bloc Sales

Jayson Ang – March 5, 2023 –

TLDR The Singapore property market faces challenges with the ongoing en bloc stalemate. Lower success rates, higher development risks, and...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Street Food Markets in Singapore

Jayson Ang – September 8, 2024 –

Singapore, a melting pot of diverse cultures, offers an incredible array of street food that tantalizes the taste buds of...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

6 Essential Factors HDB Upgraders Should Be Aware Of Before Purchasing a Condo in 2023

Jayson Ang – June 12, 2023 –

TLDR When upgrading your property, consider factors like rental rates, Buyer's Stamp Duty adjustments, higher interest rates for bank loans,...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Singapore Must-Dos: Unforgettable Experiences Await!

Jayson Ang – June 29, 2025 –

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and world-class attractions, offers an array of unforgettable experiences for both...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Executive Condos in Singapore: Have They Outgrown the “Sandwich Class” Label?

Jayson Ang – July 1, 2025 –

TLDR The Executive Condominium (EC) scheme, once intended as affordable “sandwich class” housing, is now acting more like a lottery...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Evaluating Property Investments: Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind

Jayson Ang – August 7, 2023 –

TLDR: Key Takeaways from the Blog Post Singapore's real estate market offers both pros and cons for investors. The advantages...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

The Importance of Caution Regarding Property Oversupply in Singapore

Jayson Ang – March 10, 2025 –

TLDR Recent challenges in China's real estate sector reveal valuable lessons for Singaporeans, emphasizing the importance of understanding governmental interventions...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Long-Term Economic Impacts Of Foreign Real Estate Investment In Singapore’s Luxury Condo Market?

Jayson Ang – December 19, 2024 –

Singapore has long been a preferred destination for foreign real estate investors, particularly in the luxury condo market. The city-state's...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Boutique Shopping Streets in Singapore

Jayson Ang – July 22, 2024 –

Singapore, a cosmopolitan city-state known for its vibrant culture and diverse shopping scene, offers a unique blend of modern malls...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Live Music Venues in Singapore

Jayson Ang – May 20, 2024 –

Singapore, a vibrant and multicultural city-state, is well-known for its diverse food scene, stunning architecture, and bustling shopping districts. However,...