I've received a suspicious enquiry - what should I do?

The golden rule is: It is generally safe to reply to an enquiry via email, but it is never safe to click unknown links or share financial data.

How to Spot a "Scam" Enquiry

A scammer will usually reveal themselves very quickly. Be wary if an "interested buyer" asks you to:

• Share Financial Details: They ask for your bank account, credit card, or personal ID (like your passport) early in the conversation.
• Click Strange Links: They send a link claiming it’s a "pre-approval document" or a "deposit receipt." Never click these.
• Make a Payment: They ask you to pay a "courier fee" or a "verification fee" to move the sale forward.
• Use Unusual Platforms: They try to move the conversation away from email or phone and onto encrypted apps like Telegram or WhatsApp immediately.

Your "Safety First" Checklist

You can stay 100% safe by following these three rules:

1. Don't Click: Never click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
2. No Data Sharing: Never provide your banking, financial, or private ID information to an enquirer. All financial transactions (like deposits) should be handled through your solicitor's trust account.
3. Forward for Review: If a message feels "off," don't ignore your gut. Forward the enquiry to support@propertynow.com.au and our team will give you a second opinion.

What to do if it IS a Scam

If you realize an enquiry is a scam:

• Do not engage: Stop replying immediately. Scammers look for "active" accounts to target.
• Block and Ignore: Block the sender's email address or phone number.
• Report it to us: Let us know which portal the enquiry came from so we can report the user to Realestate.com.au or Domain and help protect other sellers.

Remember: Most "Weird" Enquiries are just Shy Buyers

Many genuine buyers send very short, one-line messages without a phone number because they want to avoid being hassled by agents. Don't mistake a "minimalist" buyer for a scammer!

As long as you don't click links and don't give out bank details, you can safely reply to everyone to see if they are a real person interested in your home.

Updated on: 25/02/2026