Unlicensed Activity
Calgary, Alberta – The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is warning consumers against hiring John Doe who is not licensed to provide real estate and mortgage services in Calgary.
John was formerly licensed with RECA, but his licenses were suspended by RECA on November 30, 2020, pending the result of an investigation into John’s activities.
Between April–September 2021, RECA issued John six separate $25,000 administrative penalties, totaling $150,000, for unlicensed trading in real estate and dealing in mortgages.
Despite being suspended, John continued to represent himself as a real estate and mortgage licensee to clients. This activity involved showing clients properties, negotiating the terms of a contract, and providing advice to clients in relation to a real estate or mortgage transaction.
At no time, did John inform clients that his licence to trade in real estate or deal in mortgages had been suspended.
Protect Yourself
Consumers using John’s services for real estate or mortgage activities may not be protected by the consumer protection fund or covered under the professional’s errors and omissions insurance. These are only available if a consumer is using a licensed professional.
Using licensed brokerages and individual licensees protects you as a consumer. It ensures the licensee has the necessary education and experience to best provide you services and protects you under the consumer protection fund in case of fraud or breach of trust.
RECA urges consumers and licensees to verify the licence status of brokerages and individuals on RECA’s website by following these steps:
- go to RECA’s “Find a Licensee” search tool
- click “search by person” or “search by brokerage”
- type the full name, click “search”
- check whether the status is “active” in the far left column
If you have concerns regarding Singh or any licensees, contact us at [email protected].