You recently attended a presentation on property investment, and came back so impressed that you have decided to go along with it. And soon, a brochure containing all the details is couriered to you. This makes your decision even stronger – and in your excitement, you call up the number mentioned on the brochure and arrange to make a fund transfer to the bank account mentioned.

2-3 days pass by – there is no word. You call up on the number again – there is no response. You panic, and then reach the address – and you find, to your dismay that there is no office. Everything has vanished into thin air.

 What just happened is a case of property fraud. And you turned victim.

 SOME STEPS TO AVOID PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT FRAUD

• Ask plenty of questions. Speak to more than just 1 person. Research on the investment or property firm – do plenty of back office data collecting. Dig for references from others, or from the web. Research and referrals are the key.
• Do not make decisions without seeing the site and the status of development.
• Keep copies of all the documents and also, notes of any telephone conversations.