NBI agents nab 4 suspected real estate scammers in Cavite

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on Sunday said that four suspected real estate scammers were arrested in Cavite on Friday.

In a statement, the DHSUD said the department and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) nabbed the suspects in an entrapment operation in Barangay Sucat, Alfonso.

Authorities identified the suspects as Joana Marie Cruzada and Joana Marie Viray of Alfonso town; Felmarich Dagohoy of Taguig City, and Jovannie Cruz of Angat, Bulacan.

According to DHSUD, the suspects were involved in selling properties at Alta Vista without any Certificate of Registration and License to Sell from the department, which is a violation.

Likewise, it said the four introduced themselves as part of 1Premier Land Marketing Company, an alleged marketing arm of the developer of Alta Vista. But, 1Premier is not registered with the department.

DHSUD Secretary Eduardo D. Del Rosario said the operation served as a reminder that the department, with law enforcement agencies, is relentless in its drive to protect the public from scammers.

"This is a big blow to real estate scammers, who prey on unsuspecting home buyers, and a huge boost to DHSUD's ongoing intensified campaign against unscrupulous individuals operating in the real estate industry," he said in a statement.

Del Rosario commended the DHSUD-Regional Office 4A, headed by Atty. Jeck Otero, and the NBI for the successful operation.

He also urged other DHSUD Regional Offices to intensify their efforts against real estate scammers.

"Let me stress that we will not stop until these unscrupulous individuals in the real estate industry are arrested and put behind bars," Del Rosario said. —LBG, GMA News