How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent | 7 Critical Checks to Stay Safe

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent in Malaysia before you pay any deposit


How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent - official REN / REA ID tag example in Malaysia
How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent starts with verifying the REN/REA ID tag and registration.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent is a question every buyer, seller, landlord, and tenant should ask—because property
transactions involve large deposits, signed documents, and personal details. Scammers often copy real agent names, reuse listing photos,
and pressure you to transfer money quickly.

The good news: how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent is straightforward if you follow a simple verification process.
Below is a practical checklist you can use before you sign anything or pay any deposit.

Why fake agent scams happen

Scammers target property deals because deposits are common and urgency is easy to manufacture. A fake “agent” may claim the unit is “hot”,
send you a viewing video, and push for a “booking fee” to lock it. That is why how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent
begins with identity verification, not persuasion.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent: Check #1 — Verify the REN/REA ID tag (and QR)

In Malaysia, a legitimate Real Estate Agent (REA) or Real Estate Negotiator (REN) should be able to show an official ID tag. The tag typically
contains the person’s photo, name, registration number, and firm details. If available, scan the QR code on the tag and ensure the profile
matches the person you are dealing with.

If someone refuses to show a tag, gives excuses repeatedly, or sends a blurry screenshot only, treat it as a high-risk sign. This single step
already solves a big part of how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent: Check #2 — Confirm REN/REA registration on LPPEH

Ask for the REN/REA registration number and verify it on the official government directory. Confirm the name, firm, and status align with the
person contacting you. This reduces impersonation risk, where scammers reuse a real REN number but provide a different bank account or phone number.

Practical tip: do not rely on screenshots. Use the official search and cross-check spelling and firm details. This is a core step in
how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent: Check #3 — Verify the firm (company) registration

RENs must be attached to a registered real estate firm. Verify the firm name shown on the agent profile and confirm the company details through
official sources. If needed, call the firm’s published office line and ask whether the REN is attached to them.

A legitimate firm will not be offended by verification. This is standard due diligence and a professional way to practise
how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent: Check #4 — Validate listing details and proof of authority

Fake agents often recycle photos, copy old ads, or advertise units they do not control. Before any deposit:

  • Confirm the exact address/building (block, floor range, layout). Vague descriptions are common in scams.
  • Request viewing confirmation with a clear date/time, and ensure access is arranged professionally.
  • Ask for proof of authority to market the unit (e.g., written instruction/appointment letter from owner or firm documentation).
  • Cross-check market pricing; prices far below market are frequently used as bait.

A serious professional can explain the process and documentation clearly. That transparency is the practical difference in
how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent: Check #5 — Review advertisement compliance

Legitimate property advertisements usually include:

  • Real estate firm name and registration details
  • REN/REA name
  • REN/REA registration number
  • Contact details

If an ad has none of these, or the “agent” refuses to share their registration number, consider that a major warning sign.
This is another reliable filter for how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent: Check #6 — Safe deposit and payment rules (very important)

Many scams succeed because payment happens too early. Use these rules:

  • Never pay before verification (ID tag + LPPEH + firm).
  • Do not pay to a personal account unless your lawyer/firm confirms the proper process in writing.
  • Insist on written documentation: receipt, purpose of payment, property details, and clear refund terms (if any).
  • Use proper channels for deposits (common practice is payment handled via stakeholder accounts / documented procedures).

If you remember only one section of this guide, make it this one. It is a decisive part of how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent.

How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent: Check #7 — Red flags that signal high scam risk

  • Pushes you to transfer money “today” to secure the unit
  • Refuses physical viewing or keeps changing meeting points
  • Won’t provide REN/REA number or says “later” repeatedly
  • Price is unrealistically low compared to nearby units
  • Bank account name does not match the agent/firm explanation
  • Inconsistent stories (owner overseas, urgent divorce sale, “must pay now”)

When multiple red flags appear together, stop and verify. That is exactly how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent in real life.

FAQ: How to avoid scam by fake real estate agent

How do I check if a real estate negotiator is legitimate in Malaysia?

Start with the ID tag and confirm the REN/REA registration number on the official directory. Then verify the firm the REN is attached to.
This is the most direct way to apply how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent.

Is it normal to pay a booking fee before viewing?

High-pressure requests for payment before verification are risky. If payment is ever requested, insist on proper documentation, clear purpose,
and verified channels. When in doubt, consult your lawyer or the firm’s official office line.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

Pause the transaction immediately, do not transfer more funds, and document all messages, payment requests, and identities used. Then verify the
REN/REA and firm through official channels.

Authority Reference

Recommended reading

If you want to work with verified professionals and documented listings, you can browse industrial listings and market insights here:
YC Tang Property.


Final reminder: how to avoid scam by fake real estate agent is not about being suspicious—it is about being systematic.
Verify identity, verify registration, verify firm, and only then proceed with documents and payments.