Buying with confidence: How to spot common red flags

Purchasing, selling or renting a property involves sharing personal information, signing important documents and transferring large sums of money. While these processes are generally safe, it pays to understand some of the common warning signs that can arise throughout a property transaction.

According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, Australians reported losing more than $2 billion in scam-related losses in 2025. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods used by scammers, making awareness and verification more important than ever.

The good news? A few simple checks can go a long way towards helping protect your finances and giving you greater confidence throughout your property journey.

Rental listings that deserve a second look

With this type of scam, the scammers create fake private rental property listings, usually on a consumer trading website.

When searching for a rental property, it’s worth taking the time to verify information before making any payments.

Some fraudulent listings may advertise unusually low rental prices, encourage renters to secure the property quickly, or avoid arranging an in-person inspection.

A good rule of thumb is to take extra care if you’re asked to pay a bond, rent or holding deposit before inspecting a property or completing the appropriate paperwork.

Payment redirection scams

One area receiving increasing attention is payment redirection.

This can occur when a buyer receives an email that appears legitimate and contains updated payment instructions. As these messages can closely resemble genuine email communications, it can sometimes be difficult to identify them at first glance.

In fact, a PEXA survey found many Australians had difficulty identifying fraudulent email addresses in test emails, highlighting how realistic some communications can appear.

For this reason, it’s always a good idea to independently confirm bank account details before transferring significant funds, particularly during a property transaction.

A few signs to look out for

While every situation is different, it could be worth taking extra care if you notice:

• Pressure to make a payment immediately

• Requests for money before inspecting a property

• Changes to payment instructions or bank account details

• Difficulty verifying the identity of the other party

• Email addresses that look unusual or contain small spelling changes

• Communication that feels inconsistent with previous interactions

These signs don’t automatically indicate a scam, but they might warrant a closer look before proceeding.

Tips to help protect yourself

Protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. A few sensible precautions can make a big difference:

• Follow Scamwatch’s “Stop. Check. Protect.” approach.

• Take your time and avoid making financial decisions under pressure.

• Independently verify payment details using a trusted phone number.

• Pay attention to Confirmation of Payee notifications from your bank.

• Be cautious when clicking links in unexpected emails or text messages.

• Use trusted and secure payment platforms where available.

• Research rental listings carefully before transferring funds.

• If you believe something isn’t right, contact your bank as soon as possible.

How we can help

Buying a property involves many moving parts, from finance applications through to settlement.

Working with a broker gives you an experienced professional who can help guide you through the process, explain what to expect and provide an additional layer of support whenever questions arise.

If you’re planning to buy, refinance or invest, get in touch to discuss your goals and the next steps in your property journey.