BEWARE OF REAL ESTATE SCAMS
Khareef Dhofar Season
Published: 05:07 PM,Jul 09,2025 | EDITED : 09:07 PM,Jul 09,2025
Salalah in Khareef season.
As the Khareef Dhofar Season begins, authorities warn residents and visitors to be extra cautious of rising real estate fraud in Oman, especially scams involving fake rental listings and advance payment traps.
With the increase in demand for rental homes and rest houses during the cool, misty Khareef months, scammers are taking advantage by posting attractive — but entirely false — advertisements online. These ads often feature appealing images and unusually low prices to quickly capture attention and encourage hasty decisions.
Recently, Muscat police arrested a citizen who defrauded several individuals by publishing fake ads offering homes, apartments and rest houses in different governorates. Victims were persuaded to make advance payments as 'reservation deposits' via bank transfers. Once the money was received, the fraudster disappeared, leaving the victims with no way to reclaim their funds.
Lawyer Dr Ahmed al Jahwari points out that these fraudsters are skilled at exploiting emotions. They create a sense of urgency and offer deals that seem too good to miss — promising a dream property at an irresistible price, often coupled with pressure tactics to pay quickly before someone else 'takes the offer'.
The real estate market in Oman, especially during popular seasons like the Khareef, is vibrant and competitive. However, this also makes it a fertile ground for scams targeting both locals and tourists eager to secure accommodation in advance.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
Verify brokers and documents: Always deal with licensed real estate brokers or well-established agencies. Insist on verifying ownership documents, official property records and licences. Avoid engaging directly with individuals who do not have a verifiable office or track record.
Avoid advance payments: Never send money before you have personally inspected the property and confirmed all details in writing. Reliable agents and landlords understand the importance of transparency and will accommodate inspection requests.
Watch for red flags: Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true — properties offered at unusually low prices, landlords who avoid showing you the property, or those who pressure you to transfer funds quickly. Fraudsters often refuse in-person meetings, claiming to be 'out of town' or 'travelling abroad'.
Strengthen digital security: Use strong, regularly updated passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Avoid using public Wi-Fi when making online transactions and keep antivirus and anti-fraud protection software active on your devices.
The government has introduced strict laws and penalties to deter cybercrime and protect residents. However, prevention starts with public awareness. Understanding your rights and taking practical precautions are key to staying safe.
For added protection, consider working with a registered real estate office rather than individuals. Established offices have a physical presence, a reputation to uphold and agents who are familiar with local laws and market practices.
Above all, remember: if something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Taking a little extra time to verify and inspect can save you significant financial loss and stress.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable and worry-free experience during the beautiful Khareef Dhofar Season in Dhofar Governorate.
With the increase in demand for rental homes and rest houses during the cool, misty Khareef months, scammers are taking advantage by posting attractive — but entirely false — advertisements online. These ads often feature appealing images and unusually low prices to quickly capture attention and encourage hasty decisions.
Recently, Muscat police arrested a citizen who defrauded several individuals by publishing fake ads offering homes, apartments and rest houses in different governorates. Victims were persuaded to make advance payments as 'reservation deposits' via bank transfers. Once the money was received, the fraudster disappeared, leaving the victims with no way to reclaim their funds.
Lawyer Dr Ahmed al Jahwari points out that these fraudsters are skilled at exploiting emotions. They create a sense of urgency and offer deals that seem too good to miss — promising a dream property at an irresistible price, often coupled with pressure tactics to pay quickly before someone else 'takes the offer'.
The real estate market in Oman, especially during popular seasons like the Khareef, is vibrant and competitive. However, this also makes it a fertile ground for scams targeting both locals and tourists eager to secure accommodation in advance.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
Verify brokers and documents: Always deal with licensed real estate brokers or well-established agencies. Insist on verifying ownership documents, official property records and licences. Avoid engaging directly with individuals who do not have a verifiable office or track record.
Avoid advance payments: Never send money before you have personally inspected the property and confirmed all details in writing. Reliable agents and landlords understand the importance of transparency and will accommodate inspection requests.
Watch for red flags: Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true — properties offered at unusually low prices, landlords who avoid showing you the property, or those who pressure you to transfer funds quickly. Fraudsters often refuse in-person meetings, claiming to be 'out of town' or 'travelling abroad'.
Strengthen digital security: Use strong, regularly updated passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Avoid using public Wi-Fi when making online transactions and keep antivirus and anti-fraud protection software active on your devices.
The government has introduced strict laws and penalties to deter cybercrime and protect residents. However, prevention starts with public awareness. Understanding your rights and taking practical precautions are key to staying safe.
For added protection, consider working with a registered real estate office rather than individuals. Established offices have a physical presence, a reputation to uphold and agents who are familiar with local laws and market practices.
Above all, remember: if something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Taking a little extra time to verify and inspect can save you significant financial loss and stress.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable and worry-free experience during the beautiful Khareef Dhofar Season in Dhofar Governorate.