‘Mr Sold’ moves on
29 Nov 2011
Docklands real estate agent Ali Abbas has “moved on” following a Consumer Affairs investigation into his business practices.
It is understood the former Century 21 agent received bonds in cash from a number of tenants but did not lodge the money with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority.
It is also alleged that rents were paid in cash and were not passed on to landlords.
Century 21 has torn up its franchise agreement with Mr Abbas and has removed signage from his Bourke St office.
Century 21 state manager Chris McKearney said he referred Mr Abbas to Consumer Affairs after a growing number of complaints.
He said he tried to work with Mr Abbas when the complaints first started, but it became obvious that he was only dealing with the tip of an iceberg.
“When there were more and more complaints the alarm bells started ringing,” he said.
He said he had fiduciary duty to the public to report Mr Abbas.
Mr McKearney said Century 21 had excellent screening procedures when selecting franchisees and that what had happened with Mr Abbas had unfortunately happened recently with a number of other real estate franchise brands as well.
He said he gave Mr Abbas 14 days to remove Century 21 signage but, when that didn’t happen, Century 21 removed them.
A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokesperson said: “Consumer Affairs Victoria understands Worldwide Scope Pty Ltd is currently not operating.”
“Consumer Affairs Victoria is making enquiries into the matter, and it is not appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
“Any clients of the agency should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria and speak with the Estate Agents Resolution Service (EARS), by calling 1300 737 030.”
Mr Abbas operated with the self-appointed nickname “Mr Sold” from his 831 Bourke St office for more than two years.
Mr Abbas told Docklands News he was considering opening a new real estate agency elsewhere.
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Comments
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Ali would speak to us in gibberish, threaten to sue us for making maintenance requests, he would stall endlessly. We should have contacted consumer affairs straight away but we didn't want to end up looking for a house again!
