Licensee Safety Reminder

Licensee Safety Reminder

The Commission has been notified of a suspicious male buyer that is contacting female licensees, using an out of province phone number. Licensees have reported the man as being extremely aggressive over the phone, very urgent to view properties and vague about their identity. The man has refused to provide proof of financing and did not pass the licensee's pre-vetting qualifications.

If you are experiencing a similar situation and are unsure about your safety, document and report any concerns to the appropriate authority — whether that’s your broker or the police.

As a real estate licensee, your name and contact information (phone number, email address) is virtually accessible by anyone, therefore, you should remain vigilant about who you're working with.

Ultimately, remember to trust your instincts and watch for red flags. If a new consumer refuses to give you information about themselves, it may be time to walk away. 

Consider the following tips on how to stay safe, especially with someone you don't know:

• Meet new clients in a public place, not a listing. Your office is ideal. Your policy should be never meet a new client alone.
• Before meeting a new client (even if they’re a referral), find out as much information about them as possible. Verify their identity to ensure they are who they say they are. In addition to their full name and contact information, you can vet clients on social media or a quick Google search to look for any red flags.
• Advise your brokerage who you are meeting and where, before you go.
• Don't show remote properties by yourself.

For more advice on licensee safety, consult your broker and read CREA's article HERE.