Fake 'broker' charged with scam in apartment sales on the coast of SP
A man has been charged with fraud for scamming victims out of money in apartment sales in Guarujá, São Paulo.
A man identified as a key suspect in fraudulent activities related to the sale of housing units in Guarujá, located in São Paulo's coastal region, has been reported to the city administration after his image began circulating on social media. The municipal administration confirmed that there were instances of fraud involving contracts and advised affected individuals to lodge a police report for further investigation. The announcement led to a group of approximately 30 victims who gathered at the city hall to demand action from officials regarding the situation.
The victims, many of whom were misled by the suspect posing as a real estate broker, are now organizing through a WhatsApp group to share their experiences and support each other. One particular victim, a 34-year-old woman, recounted that she met the man through a friend's recommendation in June 2025. Believing that her transaction was legitimate, she transferred R$ 13,000 via Pix and paid another R$ 3,000 in cash as a deposit for what she thought was a secured housing deal.
The case highlights a growing issue of real estate fraud in Brazil, particularly targeting unsuspecting buyers who may not be aware of proper protocols in property transactions. The Secretary of Housing has reinforced that there is no direct sale of these housing units, thereby emphasizing the need for potential buyers to exercise vigilance and conduct thorough research before engaging in real estate transactions. With local authorities stepping in, there is hope for the victims to see justice served in this unfortunate scam case.