POLOKWANE – In the age of digital convenience, social media has become a popular tool for finding the perfect property.

However, this convenience comes with risks, as Katryn Dorfling from RealNet recently discovered through an unsettling experience.

Dorfling, a well-known property agent, became an unwilling victim of a sophisticated scam.

“I received a call from a woman asking when she could move into a flat. I had no idea what she was talking about, and after some discussion, I realised what had happened,” Dorfling recounted.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, had used Facebook Marketplace to search for a new home. She contacted a seller, exchanged personal documents, and believed she was dealing with a legitimate real estate agent.

“She received documents on a RealNet letterhead and paid the deposit. Then, the seller disappeared,” Dorfling explained. “This woman isn’t even in Polokwane.”

The scammer had used Dorfling’s name and WhatsApp profile photo to create a facade of legitimacy. When the victim couldn’t reach the scammer, she called Dorfling’s real number and realised she had been deceived.

This incident is part of a broader trend affecting real estate agencies, Dorfling said.

“We are not the only ones being targeted; other agencies have fallen victim to similar scams,” she said.

“In the end, it’s my reputation at stake, and people may think I’m untrustworthy. The victims also lose a significant amount of money in these situations.”

RealNet CEO Gerhard Kotzé revealed that the scammer’s phone number was traced to a jail in Bloemfontein, highlighting the lengths to which criminals go to carry out their schemes.

Dorfling urges buyers, renters, sellers, and lessors to be vigilant and ensure all transactions are legitimate before transferring any money.

“It’s crucial to verify everything thoroughly to avoid falling prey to such scams,” she emphasised.