Real Estate Exposed: Brawls, scams, and deposit wars

A North Sydney agent brawl, a $1.2 million cyber scam near miss, and a court battle over property deposits: the latest real estate drama goes well beyond the auction floor. On Real Estate Exposed, Liam Garman and Emilie Lauer examine some of the industry's most contentious stories, from alleged agent misconduct to cyber security threats and the fight over who should hold property deposits. The pair discuss an alleged altercation involving rival agents on Sydney's Lower North Shore, and what public incidents like this can mean for professional reputations in an increasingly competitive market. They also look at a near miss involving a $1.2 million settlement redirection scam, highlighting how a sophisticated email fraud was stopped before the funds disappeared and why real estate businesses remain vulnerable to cyber crime. The conversation then turns to the growing debate around third-party trust accounts and "deposit flicking", following an NSW Supreme Court case that has reignited questions over transparency, consent, and the handling of property deposits. With regulators reviewing the rules, the episode examines what the case could mean for agencies and the future of third-party arrangements. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights.