| Property owners fed up with agents' calls DUBAI // Homeowners are fed up with an endless stream of telephone calls and emails from persistent brokers urging them to sell their property or demanding information about it. Residents insist that homeowners' lists are available and can be procured by property agents. "It's a barrage of phone calls and emails that do not end even when I say I do not want to sell the property," said Farhana Ismaili, a Pakistani expatriate who owns an apartment in Dubai Marina. Residents have voiced security and privacy concerns since agents often have details of their property. Some are fishing, others are very specific. "It is a ridiculous bombardment of calls," said Tony Lewis, the managing director of a public relations firm who lives in the Green Community. "It needs to stop because it is just harassment. According to Article 379 of the penal code, if a company that "is entrusted with a secret" discloses it in cases not permitted by the law, or an employee uses it for his own or another person's advantage, it is a punishable offence for which an employee can face at least 1 year in prison and a fine of Dh20,000. Someone has obviously got their hands on a database and list of a developer. A few brokers confirmed they had lists from different areas. "The penal code does not specify what is a 'secret'," said Mr Makita. The punishment will rely upon the seriousness of the offence. These calls coupled with others from telemarketers pushing loans are a growing nuisance, homeowners said. "Twice a week I get calls from financial advisers and thrice or four times a week from the property guys, so it is irritating," Mr Christensen said. Homeowners have a right to the privacy of their personal data under the UAE Constitution and the UAE Penal Code, said Takamasa Makita, a senior associate at the legal firm Clyde e said. In newspaper and internet job advertisements for property agents, cold-calling skills are among the most frequently listed hiring requirements. "Yes, these lists are available," said Krish, a broker who declined to give his full name. |
Monday, 7 May 2012
Property owners fed up with agents' calls
