Digital security in real estate transactions on Curacao: What you as a buyer must watch out for

Purchasing a property in Curaçao is a meaningful step — an investment in your future and the realisation of a dream. But because large amounts of money are involved and much of the communication takes place digitally, it is essential that buyers remain vigilant. Unfortunately, real estate transactions are increasingly being targeted by digital fraud. That’s why we are sharing some important tips and responsibilities, so you are well prepared.

Digital fraud is real — and increasingly common

There have unfortunately been cases where buyers were approached by criminals posing as a notary or real estate agent. They used fake email addresses, shared professional-looking payment instructions, and attempted to trick buyers into transferring funds to the wrong accounts. These attempts are often extremely sophisticated — and sometimes barely distinguishable from legitimate communication.

Two common types of digital fraud are phishing and spoofing.

Phishing involves receiving a fake email or SMS that appears to come from a trusted source, designed to convince you to share personal information or make a payment. Always check the sender's email address first.

Spoofing involves faking an existing email address or phone number, so that a message appears to come from your notary or real estate agent — when in fact it comes from a scammer. Always verify the content, and if in doubt, check directly with the notary.

As the buyer, you are ultimately responsible for any payments you make. That’s why it’s important to double-check everything and trust your instincts.

When it smells like fish, it probably is.

Five essential tips for buyers

1. Only transfer funds to the official bank account of the notary office.
Always make sure that the account holder’s name exactly matches the name of the notary office. If you notice any discrepancies, stop immediately and contact the notary by phone.

2. Never transfer money to a country other than where the notary office is located.
A notary based in Curaçao will have a bank account in Curaçao.
If you are asked to send money to, for example, Portugal or the United Kingdom, it is almost certainly a case of fraud.
Only notary offices Fung Aloi and Samandar have an additional euro account in the Netherlands with Van Lanschot Bankiers. For all other cases: payments to countries other than Curaçao are highly unusual and should always be verified directly with the notary.

3. A notary does not use a Gmail or Hotmail address.
Official communication will always come from the notary’s business email address. If you receive a message from an address ending in @gmail.com, @hotmail.com, or something that looks similar but is slightly off — call the notary directly.

4. Always verify payment instructions directly with the notary if you have doubts.
We do not send notary bank account details in advance. You will receive them directly from the notary’s office. If you have any doubts, contact the notary by phone to confirm the information.

5. Submit documentation via Conneqtid.
If you are buying a property listed by us, you will be asked to submit your personal documents through the secure platform of our compliance partner: Conneqtid.
If we are acting on behalf of another real estate agency — for example, in a co-brokered sale — the listing agent will determine the verification procedure.

A critical mindset is essential

At International Fine Living, we take digital security very seriously. But no system is 100% foolproof without your own awareness and attention.

Take the time to review all information carefully, and never hesitate to call the notary directly if something doesn’t feel right.

Want to learn more about how the notarial process works in Curaçao? Read our blog:
The notary in Curaçao – what you need to know as a buyer

International Fine Living strives to keep buyers and sellers of real estate in Curaçao as well-informed as possible. However, our time and resources are limited, and we may not always be able to publish the most up-to-date information. We therefore strongly recommend that you always verify any information directly with the appropriate office or professional. No rights may be derived from the contents of this article.

To fellow real estate professionals in Curaçao: all texts on our website are protected by copyright. You may not copy texts or parts thereof. You are, however, welcome to link to this article.