South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Joel Robinson

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

One of the penthouses at Lily Lane, the latest stage of Carrington Place by Ellipse Property, has set a new local apartment price record.

The four-bedroom residence, purchased by a local downsizer, sold for $5.75 million—around 75 per cent higher than the previous record of $3.3 million.

Over 40 per cent of the first release of apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> have already been snapped up just six weeks since it launched to the market.

&nbsp;

Located at 32 Carrington Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> and designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane is directly opposite the Hills Showground Metro station. It offers a total 213 units over two 12-storey towers - a mix of 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments - with a ground-floor retail offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368352]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says around 44 per cent of buyers are&nbsp;owner occupiers, with 35 per cent being investors and 21 per cent first homebuyers.

“Developments of this calibre are very rare in the Hills District, and Lily Lane’s sales success demonstrates the depth of demand for over-sized apartments that genuinely compete with freestanding homes," Schulze says.

"We are seeing particular demand from downsizers who want to remain in the area but transition into spacious, high-quality apartment living."

On the penthouse sale, it says it shows buyers&nbsp;are prepared to pay a premium for scale, quality, and direct access to the Metro.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368351]

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $745,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $990,000 with sizes from 75 to 132 square metres. Three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm,, with prices starting at $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The three remaining penthouses, spanning up to 262 sqm, are priced from $2.9 million.

Over 75 per cent of apartments include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries. Apartments are appointed with premium Miele appliances including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers, while larger residences also incorporate integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages, with completion expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 sq, of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse sets Castle Hill apartment record with $5.75 million Lily Lane penthouse sale

Fresh off completing its Delano Crows Nest development, Lindsay Bennelong has lodged plans for its next project, this time turning its attention back to the beach.

The developer, started 20 years ago by Clarendon Homes founder Peter Campbell, is proposing a 37-apartment scheme at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-25-ashburner-street-manly-nsw-2095">17-25 Ashburner Street</a>, Manly, positioned between the southern end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/manly-nsw-2095">Manly</a> Beach and East Manly Cove.

Lindsay Bennelong called on local architecture firm Platform Architects to design the new building, given their success at Finn, Lindsay Bennelong's current luxury apartment project on North Steyne.&nbsp;

According to the Design Verification Statement by Bridie Gough of Platform Architects, the proposal “relates to the current context but also the desired future character of taller buildings suitable to the new planning controls.”

The site has been identified as a Low to Mid-Rise Housing (LMR) location, given its position within 400 metres of the Manly Town Centre E1 Business Zone. The LMR controls are intended to unlock additional housing supply in well-located areas close to public transport, allowing developers to seek increased height limits to support greater density.

“The proposal seeks to provide this increased level of housing whilst being respectful of some of the smaller scale buildings also nearby,” the statement reads.

Lindsay Bennelong Development Director Leigh Manser said the project has been carefully aligned with the intent of the LMR controls. The proposal will significantly increase housing yield on the site, replacing four houses and 10 apartments, comprising 25 bedrooms, with 37 new apartments delivering a total of 94 bedrooms, whilst remaining compliant with the LMR controls.

“Sydney is in a severe undersupply, and delivering more dwellings and more bedrooms than what currently exists is exactly what the LMR policy is designed to activate,” Manser said, noting that nine of the apartments will be allocated as affordable housing for frontline workers.

“We have already commenced discussions with our community housing provider to determine the rental levels that frontline workers can realistically afford in this location,” he said. “These will need to sit well below the standard affordable housing benchmark of 20 per cent below market rent, and that has been factored into our feasibility and pricing.”

<img alt="Manly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad03000f-19f9-48b4-b27d-e85ca800a1da" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%208.41.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=a.txHwCZgbCInlQ6QXbIrI.umvW1T.r8" />

The design of the building incorporates a wave-like indentation running through the façade, referencing the nearby coastline and anchoring the building within its local context.

The&nbsp;Design Verification Statement says careful consideration has been given to the articulation of the building, ensuring the bulk is broken down to a more human scale through a defined four-storey podium."

The scheme includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a full-time building manager's office and wellness facilities including a sauna and a gym.

“The design ensures a high level of amenity, with apartments offering generous private open space, many with expansive views, and all with comfortable proportions."

<img alt="Bennelong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a7f2812-72a1-4959-84b0-997e8cd88aed" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2010.15.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6iMxU3MkXmHVHAoNhYBjnqgka8CUZNbk" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lindsay-bennelong-developments">Lindsay Bennelong</a>&nbsp;is currently developing Finn Manly, just four full-floor luxury apartments on North Steyne. They recently welcomed residents to its 81-unit Delano Crows Nest development, a&nbsp;carefully scaled infill project designed to bridge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>’s lively village centre with its surrounding heritage streets.

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/delano-crows-nest-27-57-falcon-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Delano</a>&nbsp;is arranged across three low-rise buildings, incorporating a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments alongside a limited number of townhomes addressing Hayberry Lane. The architectural approach drew on the area’s Art Deco lineage, reinterpreted through contemporary detailing and framed by landscaped communal gardens.

The developer also has a development site in Maroubra.

First look: Lindsay Bennelong's new Manly apartment development revealed

Fifty-nine residences across 37 levels. No more than two per floor. With 80 per cent now sold, what remains at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-broadbeach-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline by Mosaic</a> is a short list.

Madeline was always conceived at a scale that sits outside the normal register of Gold Coast apartment living. The residences are half- and full-floor configurations, with the largest spanning more than 400 sqm, dimensions that place them closer to the penthouse end of the market regardless of where they sit in the building.

That scale is the organising principle of everything else: how the floorplans are laid out, how the materials read, how the connection between inside and outside works.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355941]

The interiors were developed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a>, the architecture practice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a> brought in as design partner for the first time on this project. The palette runs to natural stone, textured timbers, and soft metallics, materials chosen as much for their tactile quality as their appearance.

Light cleverly shifts across surfaces through the day, and the design is explicit about wanting that to be noticed. Full-height glazing runs across the primary living areas, and where the building faces east toward the ocean, those walls of glass are doing real work: framing a view corridor that the site's position directly opposite Broadbeach State School's playing fields keeps permanently open.

That outlook is the site's most consequential asset. In a suburb where new towers continue to rise, a protected view line is genuinely rare, and the Mary Avenue address secures it. Residents at Madeline will look out over open parkland rather than the rear of another building, a distinction that becomes more meaningful with each new development approved nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355939]

The private outdoor spaces are sized to match the residences themselves. Terraces on the upper levels frame uninterrupted ocean panoramas, and the planning ensures that living areas extend into those outdoor zones rather than treating them as separate attachments. The flow between the two is part of the design intent, not an afterthought.

Inside, the finish specification reflects the same approach. Rich stone benchtops, warm timber joinery, bespoke hardware, each element specified to hold up over time rather than read as a moment in a particular trend cycle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=3409]

Beyond the residences, the amenity offering extends that register. A lap pool and sun deck anchor the outdoor space, alongside a magnesium pool, cold plunge, steam room, and sauna.

A commercial-grade gymnasium, residents' lounge, library, and boardroom round out a programme that functions more like a private members club than a standard building amenity floor.

Construction has commenced under Mosaic's in-house building arm, with completion scheduled for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150135]

Madeline by Mosaic delivers penthouse-level living across every apartment

Developer Fortezza Group is the latest to take its new apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-belvedere-5-7-church-street-nelson-bay-nsw-2315">The Belvedere in Nelson Bay</a>, to the NSW Government.

Fortezza, predominantly a South East Queensland developer, is the latest to apply for State Significant Development&nbsp; status through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, a pathway becoming favoured by developers to speed up the approval process.

They are planning 57 two- and three-bedroom apartments across 5-7 Church Street and 42 Donald Street, near d'Albora Nelson Bay Marina. The diverse apartment mix has sizes from just over 80 sqm to the largest three-bedroom penthouses that reach nearly 200 sqm.

<img alt="Fortezza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="090360e1-66d7-43ad-b686-aba81f173bf2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2010.22.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DMqF96eBZolqSAAAcugX0l66ueWng66m" />

Fortezza calls the project a "piece of Istria in Nelson Bay,"&nbsp;referring to the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, shared by Croatia (90%), Slovenia, and Italy, which is known for its Roman history, Venetian-style coastal towns and inland hilltop villages.

They say the The Belvedere is strategically positioned at the apex of Nelson Bay, offering unrivalled views of the ocean, the bay and captivating topography of the area.

"Our commitment to maintaining the integrity of every view and sight line has been relentless," Fortezza Group says.

"Through extensive modelling and analysis, we ensure that each apartment enjoys the natural beauty of Nelson Bay, regardless of future developments. Each design element is carefully curated to harmonise with our European heritage, drawing profound inspiration from the Roman architectural marvels in Istria. The arches, the cascades of greenery and the stonework that define our project pay homage to the structures that once exemplified Roman grandeur."

Residents will have access to a pool, communal green spaces, an office and a coffee shop.

First look: Fortezza Group takes The Belvedere, Nelson Bay apartment development, to NSW Government

Scam

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Australians under 25 lost over $5 million to scams in 2019 and reports made from this age group are increasing faster than older generations, according to the ACCC
In 2019, around 12,000 (7.15 per cent) reports made to Scamwatch were from people under the age of 25, an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2018 figures. Reports from this age group increased by 10 percentage points more than any other age group.
“Scammers don’t discriminate based on age and the wide range of scams reported by this age group is concerning,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Young people may think they are tech savvy, but scammers are adapting and we expect to see more scams on newer platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok.”
Facebook and Instagram were the most common platforms for reports and losses by those under 25, with typical scams on these platforms involving fake online stores or the sale of fake tickets to events.
Online shopping scams were the most common scams, making up more than 14 per cent of reports and almost 12 per cent of losses among people under 25.
“Almost half of the losses to people under 25 occurred through bank transfer but you should also be wary of sellers asking for payment through unusual payment methods such as gift cards or bitcoin,” Ms Rickard said.
Scammers can also target children who play online video games, such as Fortnite, by offering unlocked achievements or special items in exchange for money or gift card codes without ever transferring the item.
“By targeting children, scammers could obtain personal and banking information from the individual’s parents,” Ms Rickard said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Gen Z sees fastest growing number of scam victims: ACCC

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Scammers have succeeded in securing $90,000 in proceeds from the recent sale of a $1.2 million Gold Coast investment property by Ray White Mermaid Beach.
The sale included a $120,000 deposit put in a trust account managed by the agency.
With the sale proceeding, the agency took its $30,000 commission and then told the client to email them his bank account details.
The client, Andrew Buckley, the former chief executive officer of the engineering firm Cardno, did so, but soon after, another email was sent purportedly from him.
The false email had requested the money be sent to a different, fake bank account.
The agency sent the $90,000 to that fake Westpac account, with the proceeds having not been recovered.
Buckley told the Courier Mail he was "flabbergasted" that no one called him from Ray white to check the new bank account details were true.
“As far as I’m concerned … this (email with a fake account) is a well-known scam,” he said.
The Ray White agency, in a letter to Buckley, pinned the blame on him.
“The fact that it has now come to light that it was not Mr Buckley who sent those written directions is as a result of Mr Buckley’s own failure to ensure the security of his email account,” its letter said.
Buckley acknowledged his email might have been hacked, but also it could have been a hacking on Ray White’s side.
Ultimately, he said this issue was irrelevant as he argued the real estate agent had a responsibility to verify details, especially with cash held on trust.
“You’re looking after someone else’s money,” he said.
The agency declined to answer questions from the Courier Mail, saying it was “fully co-operating” with investigations under way.
Ray White’s head office last month told agents to “never accept a change in bank account details via email without confirming its legitimacy with your client”.
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Ray White blame client for missing $90,000 Mermaid Beach sale deposit scam

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A Perth property manager has been fined $2500 after falling for a Scarborough holiday accommodation booking scam.
The scammer posed as "Colonel Michael Warner" in 2015 when he contacted the Scarborough real estate agency to make a booking for short-term rental residential apartments.
Consumer Protection WA said the name "Colonel Michael Warner" had been used previously in other Nigerian-based scams.
"Mr Warner" asked to make a booking for three groups at the apartments, totalling $53,449.
<div id="plista_widget_outstream_5a3c25c90ad7880" class="plista_widget_outstream" data-widget="">When he attempted to make the booking, the scammer attempted to use seven credit cards, with three declined, but leasing agent Vicki Ms Redfern went ahead with his requests.</div>
<div class="plista_widget_outstream" data-widget="">
At the scammer's request, Ms Redfern then transferred $25,138 and $20,066 from the agency's trust account to third parties in order to pay for "translation and tour guide services" the scammer wanted to use.
Ms Redfern's co-worker told her the requests seemed suspicious, but she went ahead.
The money Ms Redfern transferred has never been recovered, the Stirling Times website advised.
Consumer Protection WA brought disciplinary action against Ms Redfern following the incident, claiming she had:
<ul>
<li>failed to ensure the caller completed and returned agency forms in respect to the booking</li>
<li>failed to follow the agency's practice of holding deposits in the trust account until all guests left the accommodation</li>
<li>​failed to verify the identity of the credit card holders</li>
<li>failed to verify the identities of the third party "translation and tour guide agencies"</li>
<li>and failed to let her agency's owner know about the major transactions.</li>
</ul>
Consumer Protection WA commissioner David Hillyard said it was all due to the "incompetence" of an employee.
"It is disheartening that in this case scammers could use the agency as a vehicle to steal credit card holders' funds with relative ease, with not even the most basic checks being carried out," he said.
"Just a quick internet search of the scammer's name would have uncovered the fact that the name has been used previously in a variety of Nigerian-based scams.
"Then to ignore the concerns from a colleague about the scammer's unusual demands is entirely lacking in diligence.
"All principals of businesses in the property industry in WA must ensure that their staff, particularly those who are entrusted to operate the agency's bank accounts, are well trained in fraud prevention methods and exercise a high degree of vigilance.
"Agencies must have practices and procedures in place to assist staff recognise scam attempts in order to thwart them before the criminals are rewarded and losses are incurred by the business."
</div>
The scam left her real estate agency $45,000 out-of-pocket.
<a href="http://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/SAT/SATdcsn.nsf/%24%24OpenDominoDocument.xsp?documentId=5EAD1AC4B54E9918482581FA00226ADA&amp;action=openDocument&amp;SessionID=EWMOQ8KVRY" target="_blank">The State Administrative Tribunal</a> found Vicki Redfern had "failed to exercise due skill, care and diligence."
It noted the agency lacked sufficient internal procedures and staff training regarding fraud prevention, including a lack of formal induction training, procedure manuals and use of written instructions.
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Another Colonel Michael Warner accommodation scam triggers fine for incompetent Perth agent 

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A woman whose Canberra house was stolen by overseas scammers has sued the ACT government to recoup her money.
She was awarded $546,268 compensation yesterday.
"The evidence of the plaintiff in the present case was that she intended to keep the property and ultimately leave it to her children," he said in his decision.
The international fraudsters pocketed $430,000 when they sold the four-bedroom Canberra house in 2014 in a sophisticated scam spanning several months and countries, including South Africa, Australia and Indonesia.
The owner lived in South Africa at the time.  
The ACT Supreme Court has been told the thieves went to elaborate lengths to steal the MacGregor home, conning real estate agents, lawyers and a bank.
The fraudsters are yet to be caught two years after the fraud came to light after its 2014 sale. 
It was only the third time an Australian property has been sold fraudulently with two successful sales in 2011 and six attempted property frauds in Western Australia.
"I have never given instructions to anyone to sell the property on my behalf. I never had any intention of selling the property as I wanted to keep it for as long as I could and then pass it on to my children," the victim said in an affidavit obtained by Fairfax Media.
The fraud stripped the victim of any right to the property, which was legally transferred to the innocent purchaser couple.
Registered real estate purchases made in good faith are protected by the ACT Land Titles Act.
The woman is now suing the ACT government for statutory compensation, seeking damages for the property value, stamp duty and legal costs along with lost rental income.
The government disagrees that she is entitled to recover damages from the government.
"The plaintiff has a remedy against the fraudster under section 154 of the Act and must first take action against him or her before she may take action against the defendant," the government said in its submission.
Associate Judge David Mossop has reserved his decision.
The international fraudsters pocketed $430,000 when they sold the four-bedroom Canberra house in 2014 in a sophisticated scam spanning several months and countries, including South Africa, Australia and Indonesia.
The owner lived in South Africa at the time. 
The ACT Supreme Court has been told the thieves went to elaborate lengths to steal the MacGregor home, conning real estate agents, lawyers and a bank.
The fraudsters are yet to be caught two years after the fraud came to light after its 2014 sale.
"I have never given instructions to anyone to sell the property on my behalf. I never had any intention of selling the property as I wanted to keep it for as long as I could and then pass it on to my children," the victim said in an affidavit obtained by Fairfax Media.
The fraud stripped the victim of any right to the property, which was legally transferred to the innocent purchaser couple.
Registered real estate purchases made in good faith are protected by the ACT Land Titles Act.
The woman is now suing the ACT government for statutory compensation, seeking damages for the property value, stamp duty and legal costs along with lost rental income.
The government disagrees that she is entitled to recover damages from the government.
"The plaintiff has a remedy against the fraudster under section 154 of the Act and must first take action against him or her before she may take action against the defendant," the government said in its submission.
Associate Judge David Mossop has reserved his decision.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

ACT Government ordered to pay compensation after Nigerian scam gets house

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A travel accommodation website is listing properties for lease without the property owner’s permission, sparking West Australian official fears that the site is run by scammers.
WA ScamNet is currently investigating the origins and purpose of Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) but due to early indications that it is a scam, a decision has been made to issue an early warning to protect consumers from potential monetary loss.
Anyone who has booked a property through Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) should contact WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection by calling 1300 30 40 54 or emailing <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=JhbmEinqKy7IV-TBLV0h0WixQKNjJEXkEEXn0bUBmlmlAJqgKoDSCG0AYQBpAGwAdABvADoAdwBhAHMAYwBhAG0AbgBlAHQAQABjAG8AbQBtAGUAcgBjAGUALgB3AGEALgBnAG8AdgAuAGEAdQA.&amp;URL=mailto%3awascamnet%40commerce.wa.gov.au" target="_blank">wascamnet@commerce.wa.gov.au</a>
While this matter is looked into, WA Consumer Protection recommends that this site is not used to book holiday accommodation.
"Not only could you be paying scammers without securing a stay at the property, the unsecure nature of the site should be a concern and could expose you to data theft.
"Property owners whose properties have been advertised on Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) without their permission should also get in touch," the department said.
The Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) site appears to be based in the Netherlands even though it purports to be a UK-based business.
The website is not secure and WA Consumer Protection’s computer scanning systems identity it as potential threat stating: “Domain reported and verified as serving malware. Identified as a malicious domain or URL.”
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WA ScamNet issue warning on travel accomodation website

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Real estate investment seminars are in the spotlight again with the competition watchdog instituting proceedings against property training company We Buy Houses and best-selling author Rick Otton.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has repeatedly warned consumers to be cautious about real estate investment seminars in general. It urges people who have been scammed or come into contact with a seminar or real estate investment that “doesn’t seem right” to report it to the ACCC through the <a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/InvestmentSeminarsRealEstateScams" target="_blank">SCAMwatch website</a>.
In the latest case, <a href="/news/accc-drags-rick-otton-to-court-for-his-buy-a-house-for-1-claims">the ACCC alleges </a>We Buy Houses and Otton contravened the Australian Consumer Law by making misleading claims in promoting property investment seminars and training programs at costs ranging from $2997 to about $17,000.
Otton, who wrote the popular book How to Buy a House for a Dollar, says the ACCC is taking a literal interpretation of the book’s title while members of the public would understand that the dollar was just the start of the process.
But the ACCC is concerned the seminars target vulnerable consumers who don’t qualify for bank loans or who are having difficulties meeting their mortgage repayments.
The latest action follows an investigation with New South Wales Fair Trading. We Buy Houses and Otton have <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/warning-on-risky-we-buy-houses-scheme-20121102-28ofe" target="_blank">previously been under scrutiny</a> in other states with Victorian consumers warned about the seminars in 2012 and Otton being <a href="/news/wa/best-selling-property-investment-authors-wa-seminars-banned-department-of-commerce">banned from conducting seminars in Western Australia</a> in 2013. 
The ACCC frequently warns would-be investors that many consumers have paid thousands of dollars to a wide range of property investment seminar promoters to receive advice. In many cases the strategies presented have been high-risk, involving borrowing excessive sums or borrowing on risky terms, and inappropriate for the investor.
In some instances, people with <a href="/guides/asic-commences-proceedings-against-property-promoter-park-trent-properties">self-managed superannuation funds have been specifically targeted</a>, although<a href="https://fsi.gov.au/publications/final-report/chapter-1/direct-borrowing" target="_blank"> proposals to ban SMSFs from borrowing</a> may curb that. 
Some investment seminar promoters use high pressure tactics to coerce people into making investments without independent advice. Some charge unexpected fees and commissions or make false or misleading promises about rent guarantees or discounts for buying off the plan.
Here’s a list of tips compiled from the <a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/investmentseminarsrealestatescams" target="_blank">ACCC’s ScamWatch website</a> and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) <a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/investment-warnings/investment-seminars" target="_blank">MoneySmart website</a> on how consumers can protect themselves from losing money as a result of advice from a property investment seminar:
<ul>
<li>Use your common sense: the offer may be a scam. 
</li>
<li>Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: the only people who make money are the scammers. 
</li>
<li>Be wary of investments promising a high return with little or no risk. No investment is risk-free. If it looks too good to be true—it probably is. 
</li>
<li>Look carefully at the strategies suggested by the seminar to achieve these results. Property typically returns 6-7% a year, year after year. If you're offered returns of 1-2% more than the typically return, get a second opinion and ask for a detailed written explanation. 
</li>
<li>Watch out for property deals that include 'rent guarantees' or 'discounts' for buying off the plan. They can involve hidden fees and commissions. The properties can also be over-valued. 
</li>
<li>If you are planning to make an investment, consider other costs that may be involved such as legal fees and stamp duty. 
</li>
<li>Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions about money or investments. Do not commit to any investment at a seminar where the atmosphere can be charged and exciting. Investment decisions should only be made after a lot of thinking and after seeking independent advice. 
</li>
<li>Remember that family members and friends may try to involve you in a scam without realising that it is a scam: you should seek independent advice (from a lawyer or financial adviser). 
</li>
<li>Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam): delete them. Do not reply to a spam email even to unsubscribe. 
</li>
<li>Check with ASIC and the ACCC to see if they have taken any action against seminar promoters or their schemes. Remember that even if ASIC or the ACCC have not taken any action to date, this does not mean the scheme is safe or legal. 
</li>
<li>Before you accept an offer to fly interstate to view properties, find out if you must pay for your travel and accommodation if you don’t buy. 
</li>
<li>Another twist is to get you to invest in offshore schemes where you lose the protection of Australian laws. You may never see your money again.</li>
</ul>
Source: ACCC, ASIC.
 
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11 tips to protect yourself from a property investment scammer

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Checking testimonials and reviews, particularly online, are one way we all do a little bit of our due diligence when looking for any type of holiday accommodation or even restaurant to go to.
Property investors also largely use them for experts and professionals to help them with their buying, renovating, building and even accounting.
In fact, they're such a powerful way to be convinced into using a particular company or individual that it's rare to see a website without them.
But, just as it's easy to write someone a testimonial - which they may, or may not, use - it's just as easy for a less-than-reputable character to be overtly selective with their testimonials or just to fabricate them completely.
WHAT IS A TESTIMONIAL
Testimonials are comments from customers and clients of a service or product that explain their service and how they found dealing with a company of person. They are heavily used as marketing tools, and for promotion, in every industry - from the Sham Wow to the back of a novel. Testimonials can be incredibly useful for finding out what other people think about a service.
You might see them in newspapers, in emails, on websites or forums (particularly the business' own website), on review websites and in brochures.
MUST KNOW
Before we get into when to be alerted by a potentially fake testimonial, for companies in Australia it's worth noting that making, relying or using false or misleading testimonials is unlawful, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
That means, while they shouldn't be falsified, if they are then you do have a right to notify Consumer Affairs about it.
CAV notes that businesses that regularly rely on testimonials include alternative health care businesses, restaurants, weight loss service provides and, of course, estate agents.
<blockquote>
Businesses that regularly rely on testimonials include alternative health care businesses, restaurants, weight loss service provides and, of course, estate agents.
</blockquote>
If you're a real estate company using testimonials, basically make sure they're coming from real people, you haven't paid for a review, that you note down if there has been any sort of commercial relationship with that person, that you do not delete negative reviews and that you keep records of them all.
Remember, while less common, some do use fake testimonials to purposely say bad things about a competitor as well. These are also misleading, and you'll want to keep an eye out for them.
WHAT TO BE WARY OF
Duplicate reviews in different names, or appearing in different places multiple times.
Reviews that seem to overtly suggest you use the service, often providing discounts or codes. They may even be slagging off a competitor within the same review.
Review websites that are in some way associated to the company.
Email addresses with three or more numbers at the end - suggesting this is fake and may have been created by an automated program.
If it's an Australian company that deals with primarily Australian residents, then be wary if all the reviews have Americanised spelling. This should be a surefire warning sign that there's something fishy going on.
Those that sound like advertisements (there's a specific tone to be aware of). Be alerted by anything over the top, overly endorsement heavy, and non-specific. If they have industry-specific terms or phrasing that an average person is unlikely to use - also be aware.
Websites where all the reviews are positive or where large numbers of reviews sit at either end of the spectrum. The majority of real people give reviews within the two to four star bracket, rather than the one and five stars.
<blockquote>
The majority of real people give reviews within the two to four star bracket, rather than the one and five stars.
</blockquote>
Gut feeling is a powerful thing. Would this be something you could see yourself writing if you had the same good/bad experience? If not, why not?
Do they overtly use words and phrasing that a typical person would not? For instance, they may refer to a iPad Mini as an iPad or an iPad Mini, but it's unlikely they'd refer to its complete specs in a review e.g. iPad Mini 16GB with retina display and Wifi. Similarly, phrasing might be a little... off, particularly if cliched.
Not everyone is a wordsmith, and it's likely some people will use typical phraseology to review an item, but something like the following sentence reeks of falsity: "Great buying experience, couldn't be happier - now on my way to millions!". Unconvinced? So are we.
While not everyone will allow you to check their identity, usually there's at least one person with their full name (in which case, is it a "common" name that cannot be verified?).
If photos are with the testimonial - are they stock photos? Have you seen them used elsewhere? Search the photo through Google images' search function or through a reverse image search. Just because a photo has been included, it doesn't mean it's real.
Have you checked reviews across a number of sites? If you haven't it's time to get Googling a little more. Check out forums, where unhappy clients may be able to tackle false reviews more easily by providing their own experiences.
Look for links. Links to a person's blog or own website can be a powerful thing, suggesting they're a real individual. However, a 'tracking' link or a link that redirects you suggests that the review may be paid for.
If you're wanting to verify any further, then Property Observer suggests calling the company in question and asking for contact details for the person who provided the review - or for your contact detail to be passed on (such as an email).
Video testimonials can be even more convincing for some, however how do you know when the video was taken? Was the reviewer halfway through a seminar, or about to head in? Again, it's worth asking to contact the individual themselves.
Think you've seen a false review on a property product online? Email: <a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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How to tell if a testimonial is fake: Spruiker alert

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A warning has been issued by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria about scam emails advising about court and tribunal appearances and proceedings.
The email may advise you to report to court on a specific day/time and to bring documents and witnesses.
The email instructs the recipient to open and read an attached ‘court notice’. They’re warning that this contains a virus and that you should not open the attachment and that you should delete the email.
“If you are not involved in a proceeding, a court or tribunal will not communicate with you by email. Unsolicited emails or requests for personal information are not sent by courts or tribunals,” VCAT is advising.
 
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