Fraud Blocker
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:

  1. Verify CEA Registration: Ensure that the RES’s CEA registration matches the CEA’s registry.
  2. Check Contact Details: Confirm that the RES’s contact number is registered with CEA.
  3. 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:

  1. Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
  2. 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 …


Top 5 Factors : Location More Important Than Freehold Status?
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Factors : Location More Important Than Freehold Status?

When it comes to purchasing a property, there are numerous factors that potential buyers need to consider. While the debate...
Read More
Understanding Government Land Sales (GLS) and Their Influence on Singapore’s Property Market
All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Understanding Government Land Sales (GLS) and Their Influence on Singapore’s Property Market

TLDR Singapore’s Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme is a key tool used by the government to manage land supply and...
Read More
Debunked! 6 Popular Property Myths of 2023, Including the 99-1 Loophole – Legal or Not?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Debunked! 6 Popular Property Myths of 2023, Including the 99-1 Loophole – Legal or Not?

TLDR This blog post delves into various aspects of the Singapore property market, including topics such as decoupling, 99-1 property...
Read More
When a Property Seller Pulls Out of the Deal : What Now?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

When a Property Seller Pulls Out of the Deal : What Now?

TLDR When a property deal is not yet formalized, sellers can withdraw without consequences. However, once an Option to Purchase...
Read More
The Evolving Landscape of HDB Upgrading in Post-COVID Singapore
All Buying Tips Opinion

The Evolving Landscape of HDB Upgrading in Post-COVID Singapore

TLDR The post-COVID Singapore property market has grown more complex, especially for HDB upgraders facing higher interest rates, cooling measures,...
Read More
Should We Upgrade to a Condo Now or Wait for Interest Rates to Go Down?
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Should We Upgrade to a Condo Now or Wait for Interest Rates to Go Down?

TLDR Considering the Singapore property market trends and financial factors, it's crucial to make informed decisions about upgrading from an...
Read More
UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos! 
All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

UNCOVERING the Secret to Profitable Small Boutique Condos! 

TLDR Boutique condos, with fewer than 100 units, are known for price fluctuations due to infrequent transactions and higher upkeep...
Read More
Is The Condo Dream Getting Increasingly Harder To Achieve For Singaporeans?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Is The Condo Dream Getting Increasingly Harder To Achieve For Singaporeans?

TLDR Condominium prices in Singapore have nearly doubled over the past 15 years, with new launches now averaging around $2,390...
Read More
5 Reasons : Can Your Real Estate Investment Hedge Against Inflation?
Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons : Can Your Real Estate Investment Hedge Against Inflation?

Inflation is an economic phenomenon that can have a significant impact on an individual's financial well-being. As the cost of...
Read More
6 Essential Tips for Singaporean New Homebuyers
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

6 Essential Tips for Singaporean New Homebuyers

TLDR Best practices for first-time homebuyers, the key points include setting clear and detailed goals, planning a realistic housing budget,...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!

Singapore, a thriving business hub in Southeast Asia, offers a robust real estate market with diverse investment opportunities. While residential...
Read More
5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing
Mandarin Top 5

5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing

Investing in Singapore property can be an excellent way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. However, like any...
Read More
Should Foreign Buyers Be Deterred By the 30% ABSD?
All Buying Tips

Should Foreign Buyers Be Deterred By the 30% ABSD?

TLDR Foreign buyers interested in private residential properties in Singapore is a common sight due to the country's positive reputation...
Read More
Top 5 Trends And Developments That Will Shape Singapore’s Property Market In The Next 5 Years
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Trends And Developments That Will Shape Singapore’s Property Market In The Next 5 Years

Singapore's property market has always been a dynamic and evolving landscape, attracting both local and international investors. As we look...
Read More
5 Reasons Why Singapore Loves Investing in Properties
Mandarin Top 5

5 Reasons Why Singapore Loves Investing in Properties

Property investing is a popular and lucrative option in Singapore due to several reasons. Firstly, Singapore's stable and growing economy...
Read More
What Factors Contribute To Singapore’s Real Estate Market Exhibiting Less Volatility Than Other Major Cities?
All Buying Tips Opinion

What Factors Contribute To Singapore’s Real Estate Market Exhibiting Less Volatility Than Other Major Cities?

TLDR The Singaporean real estate market has remained stable due to government cooling measures. These include Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty...
Read More
Building A World-Class Nation: Top 5 Facts About Singapore’s Developed Infrastructure
Mandarin Top 5

Building A World-Class Nation: Top 5 Facts About Singapore’s Developed Infrastructure

Building A World-Class Nation: Top 5 Facts About Singapore's Developed Infrastructure Singapore is known for its high standard of living,...
Read More
Top 5 : Exploring the Streets of Singapore – A Journey Beyond Just Shopping!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Exploring the Streets of Singapore – A Journey Beyond Just Shopping!

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its diverse culture and rich history, offers a plethora of unique experiences that go...
Read More
3 Steps to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Singapore
All Blog Posts

3 Steps to Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Singapore

Lately, there has been an increase in scams related to real estate. Scammers are pretending to be real estate agents...
Read More
Rise In Private Home Ownership Among Those Under 35
All Buying Tips Opinion Reports Selling Tips

Rise In Private Home Ownership Among Those Under 35

TLDR Youth homeownership in Singapore’s private housing sector is rising, with residents under 35 living in private properties hitting 380,459...
Read More

Compare Listings