Checklist on Finding Legitimate Properties on Facebook
Legit Checklist
powered by GroupLister.com
Put a check/tick for each applicable item
Include this Legit Checklist when planning a vacation
Planning a vacation to popular destinations like Baguio, Tagaytay, Laguna, or Rizal? Booking transient homes or private resorts can be exciting, but it’s essential to ensure you’re dealing with legitimate owners or agents.
Scams are becoming increasingly common especially on social media platforms like Facebook, so we’ve created a Legit Checklist Tool to help you verify properties before you commit.
Use This Free Checklist to Avoid Scams
Below is a comprehensive guide to assess the legitimacy of property listings. Put a check for each applicable item and score the property’s legitimacy based on your observations.
1. Property Page/Agent Profile Has Many Friends or Followers
Check if the profile or page has a substantial number of connections. A well-connected profile can indicate authenticity. In this sample Facebook page, it has a good followers. Scrolling down and into its posts you should see active engagements as well, which are also good signs of being legit.
2. Profile Photo shows a self-photo with a good number of likes and comments
Look for engagement on the profile’s photo—likes and comments are signs of an active, real account.
3. Profile Page is Public and Not Private
A page that is public allows you to scroll down the timeline to verify posts, activities, and other important details.
4. Actively Posting with Good Engagement (Likes and Comments)
Check if the page regularly posts updates and receives interaction from followers. This shows the profile’s activity.
5. Presence on Other Listing Platforms with Links to the Same Facebook Page
Confirm if the property is listed on reputable platforms, ensuring that the page links back to the same Facebook account.
6. FB Page Name Has Not Changed Often Over the Past Months
Fake pages frequently change their names. Go to the Page’s Facebook’s transparency tab to see if the page name kept on being changed. In the sample screenshot below, this “Villa Maganda Residence in Antipolo” has been scamming venue seekers.
7. Accepts Walk-Ins and No Downpayment is Required
Real properties often allow you to visit the place before making payments. This can be a good sign. While not all property owners/managers agree to this scheme, due to the increasing incidences of scamming, some properties allow guests to just walk-in on the date discussed.
8. Has a Professional Website Linking to the Same Facebook Page
Some properties actually have their professional website, which is a good sign for seekers. This way you can verify if the website links to the same Facebook account you are messaging with.
9. Video-Call with a Virtual Ocular
Request a video call to inspect the property virtually. Legitimate owners/managers or agents usually accommodate this request.
Here at GroupLister.com, all properties listed on our platform are verified and have done this and other major verification steps. Taking video calls requires time and so GroupLister properties benefit from being listed here – they just share their GroupLister page and seekers are ensured that they are in good hands.
10. 10+ People Vouched for Legitimacy in Facebook Groups
Post a legitimacy check in trusted Facebook groups. Some people do this as one of the first steps, as it can be enough when checking legitimacy especially when the Facebook group is big enough (50K members). Positive feedback from multiple people can indicate reliability.
Red Flags when dealing with "Agents" and "Facebook pages"
Some things should immediately trigger caution. These reduce the legitimacy score and warrant additional precautions:
- Payment Methods Include GCash, GoTyme, or CIMB
While these payment methods are common, a huge number of scamming incidences include payments going through GCash, GoTyme, CIMB. Note that other scammers are even using established Banks, so be cautious in every transaction you will make.
- Double Booking or Urgent Payment Requests
Be wary of phrases like “Reserve by making a downpayment ASAP.” This is a common scam tactic, pressuring seekers to book their desired dates.
- Agent/Owner is Not Available for a Video Call
If the agent refuses or makes excuses to do a video call, consider this a red flag. Look for agents who make time for your booking and are available for a video call and can give you a virtual tour of the place.
Be always careful when dealing with Facebook pages and profiles, especially that anyone can just put up a page, promote services and/or items for selling, and even boost with ads. It’s across many industries, not just with short-term venue rentals.
While no one deserves to be scammed, and that no one should be shamed for being a victim of these, it is unfortunately a digital responsibility to check and verify the ones you deal with online.
GroupLister.com is committed to bring verified properties to sincere venue seekers. Let’s elevate the direct booking experience in the Philippines!