A Member has reported an unusual occurrence involving an individual who claimed to be an out-of-town Buyer interested in purchasing a home in Toronto.
The individual indicated that he was a performer in the adult entertainment industry and inquired as to whether his occupation was of any concern to her.
When the individual initially contacted the Member in November 2014, he indicated that he was interested in purchasing a home in the area of Bayview Avenue/Yonge Street/Avenue Road and Highway 401.
He indicated that he would contact the Member again in future, and when he did so in January, her attempts to arrange a meeting were unsuccessful.
In March, after the individual left a telephone message, the Member attempted to reach him; however, the number was not in service. When he called again shortly thereafter and indicated that he was filming in Durham region, the Member made arrangements to meet him at a real estate office in that area. The individual did not show up for the appointment.
This week, a caller from the 905 area code contacted the Member, claiming the individual who originally contacted her referred him. The Member noted that their voices sounded identical. The caller indicated that he was renting a place in Whitby and wanted to buy a home in Durham region. When he indicated that he was in the process of a divorce and inquired as to whether his spouse would have any claim on his purchase, the Member suggested that he obtain legal advice and a mortgage pre-approval prior to meeting with her.
He then suggested that the Member should meet with him and the individual who originally contacted her, and inquired if the meeting could be at a place of his choosing. When the Member indicated that a meeting would have to take place in an office environment, he began to talk at length about the dangers of being a female REALTOR®, indicating in detail how she could be assaulted.
The Member then terminated the discussion.
Members are encouraged to take appropriate safety precautions when meeting a client for the first time, including meeting at the office, being accompanied by a colleague for showings where possible, keeping a mobile phone on hand at all times, and updating the office on your itinerary.
Did you know? The following are all accessible from the Stratus home page via the Your Information Centre button.
- Member Alerts (including archived items);
- A Fraud Red Flag Checklist;
- CREA’s ‘The Safe Side - REALTOR® Safety Issues’ brochure; and,
- REALTOR® Safety Tips.