Consumer Alerts - DRE
About DRE
Newsroom
Forms
Publications
Consumers
Verify a License
Find a real estate agent or broker
Consumer Guides & Publications
Helpful consumer related publications
Filing a Complaint
The complaint process, DRE's jurisdiction,
and how to file a complaint
Homebuyers/Borrowers
Helpful information for home buyers
and borrowers
First Home California
Information and tips specifically
for the first-time homebuyers
Consumer Alerts
Review Real Estate Consumer Alerts
Complaint Resolution Program
Request dispute resolution/assistance
Consumer Recovery Account
View Information about the Consumer
Recovery Account
County Recorder Alerts
Be notified of recorded activity on
your property
Licensees
Verify a License
Find a real estate agent or broker
Disciplinary Actions
View disciplinary actions taken against
licensees and individuals for violations
of the Real Estate Law
eLicensing
Self-schedule / reschedule an examination
date, print a license certificate, renew
a license, change of address
Current Processing Times
For Applications, Renewals, and License Changes
Prepaid Rental Listing Services
Apply for PRLS License, Description of Business,
Contract Approvals, List of Licensees
Licensee Alerts and Advisories
Get urgent news and warnings, directly from DRE
Real Estate Business Resources
Advisories, Alerts, Compliance Manuals,
Reference Materials
SAFE Act/MLO
Get an MLO license endorsement, fees, FAQs
Cite & Fine
Procedures, notices, disclosures, fine payment
Examinees
Advice for Examinees
Information every examinee needs to know before
applying for the real estate exam
Out-of-State Applicants
Guidance for Out-of-State Examinees and
License Applicants
Current Processing Times
For Applications, Renewals, and
License Changes
eLicensing
Self-schedule or reschedule your examination
date, print a license certificate, renew a
license, change of address
How & Where Exams are Scheduled
Exam scheduling and availability criteria,
locations, exam format by location
Taking the Exam
Duration, Format, Method, Required Identification,
Security, Exam Results, Re-Taking an exam
Education Course Availability
Find statutory/pre-license course
offerings & locations
License Options for Military Members
DRE Assistance for Military Servicemembers
& Their Spouse/Domestic Partner
Developers
Public Reports
What You Need to Know about Marketing your
Subdivision in California: The Public
Report Process
New Subdivision Filing List
Monthly List of New Applications for
Public Reports
Time-shares
Guidance for Marketing or Selling Timeshare
Interests in California
Homeowners Associations
Operating Cost Manual for HOAs, budgets,
FAQs, CID resources
Master Geographic Letter Lists
List reflecting subdivider compliance with
locally administered laws and ordinances
Consumer Alerts
2025
DRE Recognizes Financial Literacy Month
(April 2025)
ICYMI: State continues to protect LA firestorm survivors from price gouging | Governor of California
(February 2025)
Attorney General Bonta Charges Second Los Angeles Realtor for Price Gouging Victims of Eaton Fire
(January 2025)
Attorney General Bonta Files Charges Against a Southern California Real Estate Agent for Price Gouging Eaton Fire Victims
(January 2025)
Public Notice: Los Angeles Property Owners Near Wildfires
Urged to Report Unsolicited Offers to Buy Their Properties Under Fair Market Value
(January 2025)
En Español
In Chinese
In Vietnamese
In Tagalog
Governor Newsom issues order to protect fire victims from predatory real estate speculators
(January 2025)
Consumer Alert – DRE Warns Against Price Gouging in Wildfire Areas
(January 2025)
2024
Consumer Alert – Changes to Real Estate Buyer Representation and Compensation
(December 2024)
Consumer Alert – Attorney General Bonta Secures Preliminary Injunction Against MV Realty, Benefiting Nearly 1,500 Homeowners
(September 2024)
Consumer Alert – Department of Real Estate Alerts Consumers About Recent Credit Union and Bank Scams
(May 2024)
Consumer Alert – Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alerts, Guidance to Protect California Tenants and Remind Property Managers and Landlords of their Legal Obligations
February 2024)
2023
Consumer Alert – Department of Real Estate Alerts Consumers About Recent Lawsuit Against MV Realty
(December 2023)
Consumer Alert – Department of Real Estate Alerts Consumers About Importance of Making Sure Real Estate Trust Funds are Protected
(May 2023)
2022
Consumer Alert: DRE Warns Consumers to Beware of I.D. Theft Scammers Trying to Rent Housing They Do Not
Own or Legally Control
(October 2022)
En Español
In Chinese
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
Consumer Alert Information Video
2021
Warning for California Homeowners in Financial Distress
(August 2021)
En Español
In Chinese
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
Consumer Alert- Foreclosure Alternatives
(August 2021)
En Español
In Chinese
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
Consumer Alert – Consumer Resources for Complaints About Housing and Lending Discrimination
(April 2021)
2020
Consumer Alert- Possible Alternatives or Options to Foreclosure
(October 2020)
En Español
In Chinese
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
Consumer Alert- Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners in Financial Distress
(April 2020)
En Español
In Arabic
In Armenian
In Cantonese
In Chinese
In Farsi
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
Consumer Alert- Be Cautious of Those Who Target Others in Vulnerable Financial Situations
(March 2020)
En Español
In Arabic
In Chinese
In Farsi
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
Consumer Alert- Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Escrow-holders BEWARE: Criminals are targeting your Wire and Electronic Funds Transfers!
(March 2020)
En Español
In Arabic
In Chinese
In Farsi
In Korean
In Tagalog
In Vietnamese
2018
Consumer Alert- Buyer, Seller, Real Estate Agents and Escrow-holders BEWARE: Criminals are targeting your Wire and Electronic Funds Transfers!
(October 2018)
2017
Consumer Alert- Warning regarding timeshare exit/release companies
(July 2017)
Consumer Alert – Don't get burned by Rental Listing Scammers.
(July 2017)
Consumer Alert - Research Potential Escrow Agents
(March 2017)
2016
'Take Their Money and Run': Rental Scams Target Thousands Looking for Apartments, Authorities Say
Joel Grover and Matthew Glasser
NBC November 14, 2016
Reina Gonzales was searching for an affordable apartment on Craigslist when she found what she thought was the perfect place. The three-bedroom house
for $1,600 was in her price range and in the right neighborhood. But there was no street address on the ad and no photos. There was simply a phone
number.
2015
CFPB Files Suit Against Nationwide Biweekly for Luring Consumers with False Promises of Mortgage Savings
2014
Suggested Questions for Consumers to Ask those who Offer Real Estate and Home Loan Services: Helping you to avoid becoming a scam victim
(September 2014)
DRE Issues Tips for Seniors to Avoid Real Estate and Related Fraud
(August 2014)
Top Ten Tips For Non-English Speakers to Avoid (I) Becoming a Victim of Real Estate, Home Loan, and Rental Fraud, and (II) Scams in General
(April 2014)
En Español
2013
Warning Regarding Online Rental Schemes
(October 2013)
Beware of Scammers Who Are Using the Names and Information of Legitimate California Real Estate Licensees
(October 2013)
Warning Regarding Latest Timeshare Fraud Scheme Involving Wire Transfers
(February 2013)
En Español
2012
Pre-Paid Rental Listing Services (PRLS) Consumer Alert and Fraud Warning
(November 2012)
Mortgage Modification and Foreclosure Scams ALERT
(October 2012)
Consumer Warning: Underfunded Homeowners Associations
(September 2012)
Warning to Non-English Speaking Hispanics: Protect Yourself from Home Loan and Foreclosure Rescue Scams
(July 2012)
En Español
"Cash for Keys" – Information for Consumers and DRE Licensees
(April 2012)
En Español
In Chinese
Consumer Alert and Fraud Warning Regarding Forged and Fraudulent Deeds
(March 2012)
En Español
In Chinese
Fraud Warning Regarding Timeshare Resale Fraud
(March 2012)
En Español
In Chinese
2011
FRAUD WARNING REGARDING LAWSUIT MARKETERS REQUESTING UPFRONT
FEES FOR SO-CALLED "MASS JOINDER" OR CLASS LITIGATION PROMISING EXTRAORDINARY HOME MORTGAGE RELIEF
(March 2011)
En Español
In Chinese
Consumer Alert: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Getting Ripped Off in Real Estate and Home Loan Relief Scams
(February 2011)
En Español
In Chinese
New Federal Rule Outlaws Advance Fees and False Claims, and Requires Clear Disclosures, Regarding Mortgage Assistance Relief (including Loan Modification, Short Sale, and Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure) Services
(February 2011)
En Español
In Chinese
2010
Consumer Alert - Beware of Imposter Landlords
(November 2010)
En Español
In Chinese
Update to DRE Consumer Alert Regarding Forensic Loan Audits – New State Legislation Requires Auditor Registration with the California Department of Justice and Maintenance of a Bond; Violation is a Crime
(October 2010)
Consumer and Industry Warning: False and Misleading Designations and Claims of Special Expertise, Certifications and/or Credentials
(October 2010)
Update to DRE Issued Consumer and Industry Alert(s) Regarding Short Sales Fraud, and Related Issues
(September 2010)
En Español
Warning Regarding Residential "Short" Sales
(April 2010)
En Español
In Chinese
Fraud Warning Regarding Forensic Loan Audits
(February 2010)
En Español
2009
Fraud Warnings for California Homeowners
(November 2009)
En Español
In Chinese
This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only as DRE is unable to guarantee the
accuracy of this translation. Please consult a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation
or are using this site for official business.
Conditions of Use
Copyright ©
State of California