National estate agency group RealNet has become aware that a fraudster has stolen the identity of a legitimate agent in the group and has been using it to try to scam prospective tenants and landlords in certain areas.
"We have of course taken immediate official action to try to curtail this activity," says group MD Gerhard Kotzé, "but we are also warning clients at this stage to carefully check the credentials of anyone claiming to be a RealNet rental agent."
The agent whose identity was stolen has opened a case with the SA Police Service, the bank account that was being used by the swindler has been reported to the fraud division of the relevant bank and various fake internet profiles have been blocked and removed.
In addition, says Kotzé, the group has retained the services of a private forensic investigator who has been successful in tracking the culprit and is currently working with the SAPS case officer to effect an arrest and ensure a conviction.
"We are aware that the fraudster has been active in Bloemfontein, Durban, Johannesburg and Durbanville, but there may be other areas involved, and we are doing everything we can to protect our valued customers as well as our reputation. This is why we have decided to make this information public as soon as possible."
Consumers who would like to establish whether an agent is indeed a member of the RealNet group are entitled to ask for a valid and current fidelity fund certificate and are also welcome to call RealNet Head Office on 0860 460 460.
