For assistance, please visit www.pals.pa.gov or call Toll Free: 1-833-DOS-BPOA (1-833-367-2762)
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) received reports that a person pretending to be from the State Real Estate Commission is calling licensees about the status of their license. The scammer asks for credit card information. Persons who give their credit card information may not only lose their money, but also can become a victim of identity theft.
Licensees are urged to avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud or identity theft:
- BPOA and/or Board will NOT call licensees asking for payment over the phone.
- If you get a text message or call asking for your credit card information, hang up.
- Do NOT give your personal or financial information over the phone.
- If you feel that you are a victim of any type of scam, you should immediately notify your local or state police.
State Real Estate Commission
The Real Estate Commission grants and renews licenses to persons who bear a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity and competence to transact the business of broker, salesperson, cemetery broker, cemetery salesperson, campground membership salesperson, time-share salesperson, builder-owner salesperson or rental listing referral agent, in such a manner as to safeguard the interest of the public.
Among its other functions, the Commission administers and enforces the laws of the Commonwealth relating to real estate activities for which licensing is required; activities involving cemeteries, cemetery companies, and promotional property for which registration is required; and campground membership activity for which licensing is required.
The Commission establishes requirements for continuing education to be met by licensed real estate brokers and real estate salespersons as a condition of license renewal. Also, any school which offers instructions in real estate must obtain the Commission’s approval and follow the rules and regulations of the Commission.
**Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide
legal advice or
advisory opinions, including
interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario. You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.**
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO GRACE PERIOD FOR RENEWALS OF ANY LICENSE OR REGISTRATION BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2020. ANY LICENSE OR REGISTRATION THAT EXPIRES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2020 WILL BE REQUIRED TO REACTIVATE OR RE-REGISTER IF A COMPLETED RENEWAL APPLICATION HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY SUBMITTED TO THE COMMISSION BY THE EXPIRATION DATE.