Abu Dhabi: Residents are warned against dealing directly with real estate brokers and to refrain from giving them money, unless they are sure of the agents’ credibility, the Public Prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.
Members of the public are also advised to check with the property owner that the brokers are authorised to be selling the property. An official from the Public Prosecutor’s office said that brokers may aim to scam potential buyers by placing false advertisements in newspapers and websites.
Individuals are also advised not to get tempted by seemingly good offers and to familiarise themselves with the legal procedures involved in property trade as this may help them in preserving their customer rights.
Recently a suspect was jailed and is facing charges of fraud after he allegedly leased an apartment to several people by taking advantage of the fact that they were strangers and were unaware of the simultaneous deals.
The tenants had filed a complaint to authorities after receiving a warning for their collective residency in the flat, and having their electricity cut off.
An Arab woman was among the conned victims and had reportedly given Dh25,000 to the suspect just two days before the warning was issued. According to a statement by the judicial department, investigations revealed that the broker was aware that he was breaking the law but proceeded with his alleged crime.