Due Diligence - make sure you do yours

[Globetrotter]

The whole concept of due diligence is worthy enough that we don't need it as a smoke screen for Mazza. I think that issue has been 'debated' enough and it is time to move on. Hopefully, in a direction to help prevent likeminded companies making money in such an unscrupulous manner.

Due diligence is fundamental but it won't prevent rip offs 100% of the time. It sounds like Sam did everything correctly but was still taken advantage of. That is the risk of owning a property in a location that is not your own. Forums like this can help suss out the bad actors, point villa owners in the right directions and can be part of an informed opinion, but they are not the end all be all. They are merely a starting point. References, follow up and tight controls are part of the equation also. But let's be honest, no matter what you do, there is an opportunity to getting ripped off. I would put it in the pile of life experiences. Make note, move on, prosecute if reasonable and spread the word is my motto.

As far as nationality, no one nationality has a lock on honesty. Well, except for mine! I don't care whether someone is British, Irish, Dutch, Portuguese or German. I am looking for someone who is open, willing to communicate with me and provides good work. I will use that person again and again, and let my friends know about him/her as I want that person to be successful for that work ethic. This forum does have a distinct British flavor. I don't think pointing someone in the direction of the foreigner's forum is the answer a that forum is for those who prefer to use alternative languages in posting. Should I go there as well? I find forums with wide diversity are far more helpful and far more entertaining than those dominated by a single group. I guess the only answer is to encourage your friends to try out the forum despite its reputation. Encourage them to start a thread to get the true measure of the helpfulness (or lack thereof) of the forum. Current members biting their tongues (or tying their fingers as the case may be) only serves to dumb down the forum and make it less valuable than it could be.

So, please, everyone,continue with your recommendations, your warnings, and your general information. Readers, put your filters on and take everything with a grain of salt. I would love to see a recommendations section here geared toward property management, renovation, builds etc. Something beyond restaurants and bars would be helfpul.

And all you furriners, start speaking up! The forum needs you!!

[shanagarry]

Amen

[sam]

In the UK it seems to be far easier to undertake due diligence, not just because there is not a language barrier. Using Google, or the like, so much information can be found out about a person or company in a very short time, sometimes the information is free, others for a small fee. A basic start needs a name and address, or at least an area so you can find the address. With this information you can get details on companies and directors, court orders, insolvencies, personal property (including who owns it, when purchased, how much for, any charges against the property) etc. A date of birth and other information will open up more avenues.
Does anyone know of any similar public record sites in Portugal?