In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, the demand for housing has surged, particularly in the western regions where many residents have been displaced. This increased demand has unfortunately provided fertile ground for fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals through real estate scams. Reports indicate that scammers are leveraging platforms like TikTok and even traditional media to advertise fraudulent rental and property listings. One realtor from the south-central part of the island revealed that their phone has been inundated with inquiries from people seeking housing, many of whom have already fallen victim to these scams. The realtor emphasized the difficulty in distinguishing genuine listings from fraudulent ones, even in classified ads. Kimberly Blair of Gourzong Realty Group has urged potential buyers to exercise extreme caution, highlighting the financial vulnerability of many at this time. Andrew James, Chairman of the Real Estate Board (REB), acknowledged the issue and stated that efforts are underway to increase public awareness in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ). RAJ’s Second Vice-President, Roger Allen, noted that the strategic plan to combat real estate fraud, delayed by Hurricane Melissa, is now being ramped up. This includes workshops, seminars, and a centralized system for reporting and recording scams. Allen also warned of an anticipated rise in property sales in less affected areas, urging the public to only engage with licensed realtors and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.