At Holdsworth Real Estate, we are deeply committed to not only helping you achieve your property dreams but also to safeguarding your interests every step of the way. In an increasingly digital world, the security of your personal information and the integrity of property transactions are paramount. That’s why we’re embracing best practices, guided by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA), to implement a robust Verification of Identity (VOI) process.

You might notice a new step when you next list your property for sale or engage our services for property management. Your dedicated REIWA agent may ask you to verify your identity documents online and, in some cases, request a photo – often referred to as a ‘selfie’ – for ‘proof of liveness’. We understand this might be a new request, and we want to take this opportunity to explain why this process is so crucial and how it benefits you directly.

Why the Enhanced Focus on Verification of Identity?

Property transactions involve significant financial assets and sensitive personal data. Unfortunately, this can make them a target for fraudulent activities. Property fraud, where individuals impersonate owners to illegally sell or mortgage a property, is a serious threat. Similarly, the misuse of personal data is a growing concern globally.

REIWA’s commitment to VOI best practice is a proactive measure designed to combat these risks head-on. By verifying that an individual is who they claim to be, we add a powerful layer of security to every transaction. This process helps to:

1. Prevent Property Fraud: Ensuring that the person transacting the property is the legitimate owner or authorised individual is the most effective way to stop fraudsters in their tracks.
2. Protect Your Personal Data: While verifying your identity, the system is also designed to protect your documents and information from unauthorised access or retention.
3. Uphold Transaction Integrity: VOI contributes to greater confidence and security in the real estate market for everyone involved.

This enhanced VOI process isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about providing you with greater peace of mind and ensuring that your property dealings are secure and legitimate.

How Does the VOI Process Work?

We’ve aimed to make this process as straightforward and secure as possible. Here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Secure Link from Your Agent: When VOI is required, your agent will initiate the process. You’ll receive a secure, encrypted link via email or SMS. This link will take you to a dedicated, secure online platform.
2. Upload Your ID Documents: Through this platform, you’ll be prompted to upload clear copies of your primary identification documents. Commonly accepted documents include a current driver’s licence or passport. The system is designed to handle this information securely.
3. Document Verification Service (DVS): Once uploaded, the platform uses a government-backed Document Verification Service. This service checks the details on your documents against official records to confirm their legitimacy and that they haven’t been flagged as fraudulent or expired. This is a critical step in confirming the authenticity of the identification provided.
4. The ‘Liveness’ Check – More Than Just a Selfie: You may also be asked to take a ‘selfie’ using your smartphone or computer camera and upload it through the secure platform. This isn’t just any photo. The platform employs sophisticated facial biometric technology to perform a ‘liveness’ check. This advanced step confirms that you are a real, live person present at the time of verification. It cleverly distinguishes between a genuine person and an attempt to impersonate you using a static photo, a video, or even an AI-generated image. This significantly reduces the risk of sophisticated impersonation attempts.

Your Convenience and Support

We understand that not everyone may have a smartphone with a camera, or you might simply prefer some assistance. Please don’t worry:

• No suitable phone? Your agent can take the necessary picture for you during an appointment.
• Need help uploading documents? Our agents are fully trained in this process and are more than happy to guide you through uploading your ID documents if you require assistance.

Our goal is to make this essential security step as seamless as possible for you.

Protecting Your Privacy and Security – A Core Principle

A key aspect of this VOI process is the enhanced protection of your personal information. Once the secure platform has verified your identity, it will provide our agency with a brief confirmation report. Crucially, your actual ID documents will not be retained by our agency or your individual agent through this system. This significantly minimises the risk associated with holding sensitive personal data and is a cornerstone of the process’s security design. Your privacy is respected throughout.

When Does This VOI Process Apply?

This robust VOI process is being implemented across a broad range of property transactions to ensure comprehensive protection. It will apply to:

• The sale of residential, commercial, and rural property.
• The sale of businesses.
• Management agreements for residential rental properties.
• Commercial property management and leasing agreements.

By applying these standards widely, we contribute to a safer property market for everyone in Western Australia.

Our Commitment to You

At Holdsworth Real Estate, embracing these VOI best practices is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to protecting your interests. We believe that this enhanced security measure is a vital step in maintaining the trust you place in us and ensuring the safety of your valuable assets.

While it introduces an additional step, the peace of mind and protection it offers are invaluable. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us make property transactions safer for all our clients.

If you have any questions at all about this Verification of Identity process, how it works, or what it means for you, please do not hesitate to speak directly with your Holdsworth agent. We are here to help and ensure you feel completely comfortable and informed.