How do I check if a real estate agent or broker is licensed?
Ask for the broker's PRC license number and name, and check it on the PRC website's license verification; a salesperson should be able to name the licensed broker they work under. Someone who cannot or will not give a license number is not someone to pay money to.
A license does not make a person honest, but it means they can be identified and reported. Scammers avoid that. The license also tells you the person is allowed to collect reservation money on behalf of an owner at all.
How to check
- Ask for the full name and the PRC license number.
- Verify it on the PRC website; the name and profession must match.
- Ask for the written authorisation from the owner for this unit.
- Compare the name on the license with the name on the ID and on the account you are asked to pay to.
- Search the name with "scammer" and the area.
Frequently asked questions
- The person says they are an "agent" but has no license. Can I still rent through them?
- You can look at a unit, but do not pay them anything. Pay only the owner, after a contract.
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