Staying Safe When Exploring Property Online

1. Treat this as a demo

Off-Grid Estate NZ is a mock experience. Never send money, identification documents or confidential personal details based on information displayed here. Always cross-check with a trusted, licensed professional before committing to anything.

2. Verify who you're dealing with

• In the real world, confirm that any agent is licensed with the appropriate authority.
• Independently look up phone numbers and office locations, rather than relying purely on an email link.
• Be wary of pressure to act urgently or exclusively via messaging apps.

3. Protect your personal information

• Share only the minimum details needed at each stage.
• Avoid sending scans of passports or driver licences unless you are certain of the recipient.
• Use strong, unique passwords for any real property portals you use.

4. Be careful with payments

In a real transaction you should never transfer a deposit based solely on emailed bank details. Always:

• Confirm account details by calling a known, verified office line.
• Be suspicious of last-minute account changes or requests sent only by email.
• Talk to your bank immediately if you think you may have sent money to the wrong place.

5. Do your own due diligence

For actual off-grid properties, independently check council rules, consent status, compliance of power/water/waste systems and access rights. This demo does not replace legal advice, building inspections or professional planning guidance.