Case Study 5 - Unprofessional Conduct

Mr X posed as a licensed real estate agent and advertised a property in Tamavua that he did not own. Mr and Mrs Yabaki interested in purchasing a home, engaged with Mr X and were led to believe they were entering into a legitimate transaction.

The couple agreed to purchase the property and transferred $XXXX to the individual. However, upon attempting to take possession, they discovered the property was not for sale and the individual had no legal claim to it.

They had been deceived into parting with their money under false pretenses.

This case underscores the importance of verifying the credentials of real estate professionals before engaging in transactions. The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) urges the public to:

• Always request and inspect the agent's REALB identification card, which includes their license number and expiry date.

• Ensure the agent is registered and authorized to operate in Fiji.

• Avoid agents who rush transactions, lack proper documentation, or operate without a physical office.

Engaging with verified and licensed professionals helps protect both buyers and sellers from fraudulent activities and ensures the integrity of real estate transactions in Fiji.

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