Attempted theft of $500,000 via cyber-attack on real estate agency: Land valuers bulletin issue 24 (September 2016)

29 September 2016

A Perth real estate agent is breathing a sigh of relief after a cyber-attack was thwarted in an attempt to steal $500,000 from a trust account.

It’s believed the cyber thieves gained access to the agency’s bank accounts after malware was downloaded into their computer system, probably from an attachment being opened or a website link being clicked in a scam email. The installed malware allows the criminals to record keystrokes and discover bank log in details, including the password.

Attempted theft of $500,000 via cyber-attack on real estate agency: Settlement agents bulletin issue 61 (September 2016)

29 September 2016

A Perth real estate agent is breathing a sigh of relief after a cyber-attack was thwarted in an attempt to steal $500,000 from a trust account.

It’s believed the cyber thieves gained access to the agency’s bank accounts after malware was downloaded into their computer system, probably from an attachment being opened or a website link being clicked in a scam email. The installed malware allows the criminals to record keystrokes and discover bank log in details, including the password.

Attempted theft of $500,000 via cyber-attack on real estate agency: Real estate bulletin issue 121 (September 2016)

29 September 2016

A Perth real estate agent is breathing a sigh of relief after a cyber-attack was thwarted in an attempt to steal $500,000 from a trust account.

It’s believed the cyber thieves gained access to the agency’s bank accounts after malware was downloaded into their computer system, probably from an attachment being opened or a website link being clicked in a scam email. The installed malware allows the criminals to record keystrokes and discover bank log in details, including the password.

FAQs Settlement Agents Code of Conduct 2016

Refer to our Code of Conduct page to view the Settlement Agents Code of Conduct. 

A lot of the rules look different - what has changed?

The rules have been redrafted in line with modern legislative requirements and to ensure consistency with the other property industry codes and the Settlement Agents Act 1981. It is important to note that the duties and responsibilities of licensees remain the same. Licensees must:

Button batteries

Button batteries are small circle batteries used in a lot of household items and if ingested can kill a child in less than six hours. They are found in toys, remote controls, watches, clocks, and hearing aids. 

Risks and injuries

Research shows batteries 20mm in diameter or more are the most dangerous. This is because they are small enough to be easily swallowed but not small enough to pass through a child’s oesophagus.

State Administrative Tribunal fines two agencies: Real estate bulletin issue 120 (September 2016)

16 September 2016

Consumer Protection would like to remind real estate agents and sales representatives about fulfilling their obligations in respect of the laws governing the real estate industry.

This follows recent court action in the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) against two real estate agencies, which were subsequently reprimanded and fined.

Case 1: Non-disclosure

In one action, an agency was fined $1,000 and charged $500 court costs for the non-disclosure of sewerage issues to the buyers of a property.

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