Anti-Scam Policy

Our commitment

BahayGo exists to make finding a home in the Philippines safer and more transparent. Real estate transactions involve large sums of money and sensitive personal information, which makes the sector a target for fraud. This Anti-Scam Policy describes how we work to reduce risk, what we expect from users, and how Philippine legal frameworks—including the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act No. 10175), the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), and professional licensing rules administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)—inform our approach. It does not replace vigilance on your part or advice from lawyers and licensed professionals.

Common scams in Philippine real estate

Users should be aware of schemes that frequently appear in online property marketplaces:

• Fake or cloned listings:Photos and addresses copied from legitimate listings, with fraudsters posing as owners or agents to collect deposits or "reservation fees."
• Title and identity fraud: Offers to sell or lease property without lawful authority, sometimes supported by forged documents or impersonation of licensed practitioners.
• Advance-fee and overpayment scams:Requests to wire money before a viewing, or to return "accidental" overpayments through untraceable channels.
• Phishing: Emails or SMS pretending to be BahayGo, banks, or government agencies to steal passwords or one-time PINs.
• Unlicensed practice: Individuals offering brokerage or appraisal services without valid PRC credentials or proper brokerage affiliation.

What BahayGo does to reduce risk

We continuously improve safeguards, which may include:

• Professional verification: Collecting and displaying PRC license information and broker relationships for agents and brokers who complete our verification steps, to help users distinguish credentialed practitioners from anonymous posters.
• Platform integrity tools: Monitoring for suspicious patterns, enforcing our Terms of Service, and removing listings or accounts that violate our policies.
• Secure communication channels: Encouraging users to keep substantive negotiations and payment discussions within documented, traceable processes—not rushed instructions delivered only through chat apps from unknown numbers.
• Education: Publishing guidance (such as this policy) on red flags and safe practices for buyers, renters, and property professionals.

No online platform can eliminate all fraud. Verification badges and in-app tools are aids, not guarantees of title, solvency, or the outcome of any transaction.

Red flags: when to pause and verify

Exercise extra caution if someone you met through BahayGo:

• Pressures you to send money immediately—especially via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or remittance to unrelated third parties.
• Refuses an in-person or video viewing of the property or will not meet at a verifiable brokerage office.
• Cannot produce consistent identification, signed authority to sell or lease, or coherent chain of title documentation.
• Asks you to "pay BahayGo" through personal GCash, bank accounts, or links that do not match our official channels.
• Offers terms that are far below market without a credible explanation.

When in doubt, verify licenses on the PRC website, confirm ownership and encumbrances with a reputable lawyer or the relevant Registry of Deeds, and use escrow or supervised closing arrangements for material payments.

Reporting suspected scams

If you believe a listing, user, or message on BahayGo is fraudulent or violates our policies, report it to us immediately through Contact with as much detail as possible (screenshots, URLs, phone numbers used). We may suspend accounts, preserve records, and cooperate with law enforcement or regulators where permitted by the Data Privacy Act and other applicable law.

Criminal cybercrime and estafa cases may be reported to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division, or other competent authorities. Civil remedies may also be available under the Civil Code and related statutes.

Responsibilities of agents and brokers

Licensed professionals must comply with RESA, PRC regulations, and the rules of their accredited organizations. Misrepresenting listings, double-selling, or facilitating money laundering may result in removal from BahayGo, professional discipline, and criminal liability. Brokers are expected to supervise salespersons in line with Philippine law.

Limitation

BahayGo is not liable for losses arising from transactions between users or from third-party conduct beyond our reasonable control. This policy is informational and forms part of our broader Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Updates

We may update this Anti-Scam Policy as threats and regulations evolve. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the latest revision.