The Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate is advising the public about “advertisements and communications operating under the names ‘Fortress Real Estate’ and ‘Butterfield Realtor.’”
A government spokesperson said, “The Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate is advising members of the public to exercise caution regarding online advertisements and communications operating under the names ‘Fortress Real Estate’ and ‘Butterfield Realtor.’
“The Office became aware of social media content advertising real estate services in Bermuda under these names. A member of the public also reported being asked to pay a 30 per cent deposit in advance to secure an appointment to view rental properties.
“Following enquiries, the Office has confirmed that neither Fortress Real Estate nor Butterfield Realtor holds a real estate broker’s or agent’s licence issued by the Superintendent of Real Estate. They are therefore not authorised to conduct real estate brokerage activity in Bermuda under the Real Estate Brokers’ Licensing Act 2017.
“Members of the public are reminded that the display of a certificate or other document online does not, by itself, establish that a person or business is licensed to provide real estate services in Bermuda.
“Before engaging a real estate broker or agent, members of the public should:
- Consult the list of licensed real estate brokers and agents published on the Government of Bermuda portal, For the most current confirmation of a broker’s or agent’s licensing status, please contact the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate at realestatelicenses@rocbda.com;
- independently verify the identity and contact details of the person or business;
- exercise caution where payment is requested before a property viewing or before the identity and authority of the person offering the property have been verified;
- avoid sending funds or personal information where the legitimacy of the transaction is uncertain; and
- retain copies of advertisements, emails, messages, payment requests and other relevant correspondence.
“Anyone who has communicated with, provided personal information to or made a payment to a person operating under either of these names should retain all relevant evidence and report the matter promptly to the Bermuda Police Service.
“Members of the public may verify the licensing status of a broker or agent, or submit other licensing enquiries, by contacting the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate at >realestatelicenses@rocbda.com.”