Procedure for reporting an unwanted solicitation
When you advertise on DuProprio.com, certain people - particularly real estate brokers – may contact you to encourage you to use their services. Depending on the type of solicitation you receive, you have the right to report such undesirable behaviour. By filing a complaint, you protect yourself, and you help to provide a better experience for other sellers.
Written solicitations
This type of solicitation includes messages sent by e-mail, via the DuProprio messaging system or by SMS. Any person wishing to offer their services through these mediums must have received your prior consent. Listing a property for sale on DuProprio.com does not make these solicitations legitimate.
These situations fall under the Canadian Anti-Spam Act (CASL). Consequently, any unsolicited message may be subject to a complaint to the appropriate authorities.
If you think that a message you receive is from someone trying to sell you a product or service or that it constitutes spam, you can report it to the Spam Notification Centre (LCAP). .
Reporting text messages
While you can report this type of solicitation via the Spam Notification Centre page (LCAP), the Canadian government offers a simplified process via a special number: 7726.
Depending on the type of mobile device you have, here are the steps to follow to report SMS solicitations:
Reporting with an IOS device
- Press on the message without clicking on the links to open the conversation.
- Once in the conversation, hold your finger on the message you want to forward until a menu appears.
- From the menu, select More... to see a list of messages.
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Tick the messages you want to include, then press the arrow at the bottom right to prepare for the transfer.
Enter 7726 in the TO: field and press Send.
Send an alert using an Android device
- Press on the message (without clicking on the links) to open the conversation.
- Hold your finger on the message you want to transfer until a menu appears.
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Select Forward (or the arrow icon) to access the draft or contacts list.
Enter 7726 in the TO: field and press Send.
Telephone solicitations
The CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) has set up a simple, free system allowing you to indicate that you do not wish to receive unsolicited calls. It's called the National Do Not Call List (DNCL).
Telemarketers and real estate brokers have 31 days from the date you are added to the list to comply. You can also ask the brokers who solicit you to add you to their personal do not call list. They will then have 14 days to do so.
If they fail to do so, you can lodge a complaint. In such a situation, offenders expose themselves to sanctions that may include financial penalties imposed by the CRTC.
A broker has crossed the line?
Has a broker taken steps that are exaggerated or abusive? Do you feel you are being influenced by misleading information? If you feel that any behaviour is inappropriate, it is important to report it to the Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ).
To do so, go to the OACIQ help page and request assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Does DuProprio offer tools to reduce solicitaion?
Yes, you can indicate on your ad that you do not wish to receive solicitations from real estate brokers. If you are registered with the National DNCL, you can also add a specific statement to this effect. Go to the ‘Contacting you’ section in the Seller space to configure these options.