Being a real estate agent sounds like a safe and exciting job, showing beautiful homes, meeting new people, and helping clients find their dream property. But what many agents don’t realise is that they are often seen as soft targets by criminals.
Here’s why:
Most agents will agree, when you meet a new client, it’s usually a stranger. You get a phone call or an email from someone who wants to view a property. You then set up an appointment and meet them… often alone and in an empty house. Criminals love this situation. They don’t even have to look for a victim, they simply call an agent and set up a “date” for their crime.
Criminals can easily find out about agents. Your face is on your website and social media. They can see how you dress, what you drive, even your jewellery. If you look wealthy or vulnerable, you could become a target.
Many showings happen after hours, or at properties that are empty. When an agent meets a client there, they are often alone. This gives a criminal the perfect opportunity to attack without witnesses around.
Most agents are kind, friendly, and helpful. Unfortunately, many trust that the person they’re meeting is also a good person. This is called “assumed morality.” Criminals take advantage of this — they know that many people won’t suspect danger until it’s too late.
Many agents rely on things like:
In reality, these do not work well in a real attack. It can take 5 to 15 minutes for police to arrive. In that time, you will need to physically deal with the criminal on your own.
The good news? There are simple ways to make yourself a hard target:
The bottom line: If you are an agent, understand that criminals may be looking at you as an easy opportunity. But by using smart safety tactics and learning self-defence, you can take control and protect yourself.Your life is more important than any deal or commission. Always put your safety first.
To book a course, contact us today:
Email: info@cobradefense.co.za
Cell: 082 299 9117