DRE NEWSROOM

Thank you for visiting the Department of Real Estate's website. Below are links to DRE's presence in the News, recent DRE Press Releases, Consumer Alerts, and Public Service Announcements. DRE keeps you informed of new Real Estate laws and restrictions, and alerts you to new tools and methods you may find useful as a consumer, salesperson, or broker. The Department is also keenly aware of scams and fraud activity related to Real Estate, and offers advice and checks to the public in an effort to keep you safe.

Consumer Alerts

2018

• Consumer Alert- Buyer, Seller, Real Estate Agents and Escrow-holders BEWARE: Criminals are targeting your Wire and Electronic Funds Transfers! (October 2018)

2017

• Consumer Alert- Warning regarding timeshare exit/release companies (July 2017)
• Consumer Alert – Don't get burned by Rental Listing Scammers. (July 2017)
• Consumer Alert - Research Potential Escrow Agents (March 2017)

2016

• 'Take Their Money and Run': Rental Scams Target Thousands Looking for Apartments, Authorities Say

  Joel Grover and Matthew Glasser
  NBC November 14, 2016
  Reina Gonzales was searching for an affordable apartment on Craigslist when she found what she thought was the perfect place. The three-bedroom house for $1,600 was in her price range and in the right neighborhood. But there was no street address on the ad and no photos. There was simply a phone number.

2015

• CFPB Files Suit Against Nationwide Biweekly for Luring Consumers with False Promises of Mortgage Savings

2014

• Suggested Questions for Consumers to Ask those who Offer Real Estate and Home Loan Services: Helping you to avoid becoming a scam victim (September 2014)
• DRE Issues Tips for Seniors to Avoid Real Estate and Related Fraud (August 2014)
• Top Ten Tips For Non-English Speakers to Avoid (I) Becoming a Victim of Real Estate, Home Loan, and Rental Fraud, and (II) Scams in General (April 2014)
  • En Español

2013

• Warning Regarding Online Rental Schemes (October 2013)
• Beware of Scammers Who Are Using the Names and Information of Legitimate California Real Estate Licensees (October 2013)
• Warning Regarding Latest Timeshare Fraud Scheme involving Wire Transfers (February 2013)
  • En Español

2012

• Pre-Paid Rental Listing Services (PRLS) Consumer Alert and Fraud Warning (November 2012)
• Mortgage Modification and Foreclosure Scams ALERT (October 2012)
• Consumer Warning: Underfunded Homeowners Associations (September 2012)
• Warning to Non-English Speaking Hispanics: Protect Yourself from Home Loan and Foreclosure Rescue Scams (July 2012)
  • En Español
• "Cash for Keys" – Information for Consumers and DRE Licensees (April 2012)
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Consumer Alert and Fraud Warning Regarding Forged and Fraudulent Deeds (March 2012)
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Fraud Warning Regarding Timeshare Resale Fraud (March 2012)
  • En Español     In Chinese

2011

• FRAUD WARNING REGARDING LAWSUIT MARKETERS REQUESTING UPFRONT FEES FOR SO-CALLED "MASS JOINDER" OR CLASS LITIGATION PROMISING EXTRAORDINARY HOME MORTGAGE RELIEF (March 2011)
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Consumer Alert: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Getting Ripped Off in Real Estate and Home Loan Relief Scams (February 2011)
  • En Español     In Chinese
• New Federal Rule Outlaws Advance Fees and False Claims, and Requires Clear Disclosures, Regarding Mortgage Assistance Relief (including Loan Modification, Short Sale, and Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure) Services (February 2011)
  • En Español     In Chinese

2010

• Consumer Alert - Beware of Imposter Landlords (November 2010)
  • En Español     In Chinese
• Update to DRE Consumer Alert Regarding Forensic Loan Audits – New State Legislation Requires Auditor Registration with the California Department of Justice and Maintenance of a Bond; Violation is a Crime (October 2010)
• Consumer and Industry Warning: False and Misleading Designations and Claims of Special Expertise, Certifications and/or Credentials (October 2010)
• Update to DRE Issued Consumer and Industry Alert(s) Regarding Short Sales Fraud, and Related Issues (September 2010)
  • English       En Español
• Warning Regarding Residential "Short" Sales (April 2010)
  • English       En Español     In Chinese
• Fraud Warning Regarding Forensic Loan Audits   (February 2010)
  • English       En Español

2009

• Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners   (November 2009)
  • English       En Español       In Chinese

Press Releases     |     DRE In the News     |     Public Service Announcements (PSAs)     |     Consumer Alerts