Consumer Protection Policies
Real estate transactions carry real consequence for the people in them. Bureau One builds consumer protection into how the platform works rather than adding it after the fact.
Our standards cover consumer education, dispute resolution, professional conduct, responsible technology, fair housing, accessibility, and fraud prevention. They apply across every Bureau One company and every market we operate in.
Buyers and sellers are the reason these standards exist.
Our approach
Our approach to consumer protection
Bureau One integrates consumer protection into platform design, workflows, and professional oversight rather than treating it as a separate or reactive function.
Our approach focuses on
- Clear communication & transparency
- Responsible technology & automation
- Fair & equitable access to services
- Education & risk awareness
- Ongoing monitoring & governance
- Continuous improvement aligned with evolving regulatory & industry expectations
01Consumer education & transparency
We believe informed consumers are better protected. Bureau One provides guidance and educational resources designed to help individuals understand real estate processes, identify risks, and make informed decisions. This includes awareness of fraud and scams, verification of financial and identity-related instructions, and navigating digital and remote transactions. All educational materials are provided for general informational purposes and do not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.
02Dispute resolution & escalation
Bureau One maintains structured procedures to address concerns and support timely and fair resolution. Consumers may submit complaints or requests through designated channels and may seek review or escalation when appropriate. These processes are designed to promote accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across the Bureau One ecosystem.
03Professional standards & oversight
Professionals operating through Bureau One’s affiliated brokerage and service organizations are expected to adhere to defined standards of conduct, supervision, and regulatory alignment. These frameworks support ethical behavior, consistent service delivery, and compliance with applicable licensing and professional requirements. Bureau One maintains monitoring, training, and enforcement processes designed to uphold these expectations and protect clients and transactions.
04Responsible technology & consumer safeguards
Technology plays an increasing role in modern real estate. Bureau One is committed to responsible implementation, transparency, and oversight of digital tools, automation, and decision-support systems. Our approach emphasizes fairness, accuracy, human oversight of critical processes, and clear communication regarding automated or technology-enabled services. Structured risk management and governance practices are integrated into platform design to support trust and long-term stability.
Policy statements
Our published policies
The sections that follow are standalone statements covering fair housing, accessibility, fraud, agency, and disclosure obligations.
05Fair housing
Housing discrimination is illegal, and many states protect more characteristics than federal law alone. This statement sets out the characteristics protected in the jurisdictions where we operate, what we require of our agents and employees, and how to file a complaint.
Bureau One Inc. (referred to as “Bureau One™” or “Company”) is committed to compliance with applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. We uphold and support the principles of the Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) and all applicable non-discrimination regulations.
Equal Housing Opportunity Policy
Bureau One strictly prohibits discrimination in any housing-related transaction based on:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial status, including having children under 18, pregnancy, or legal guardianship of minors
- Disability
Additional state and local protections
Many states and localities also protect characteristics such as source of income, sexual orientation, and gender identity
Bureau One applies federal law and the law of each state and locality where it does business.
Where a state, county, or municipal jurisdiction recognizes additional protected characteristics, Bureau One applies the broader standard in that jurisdiction.
We do not tolerate any form of housing discrimination in our listings, services, or client interactions.
Agent & Employee Compliance
All Bureau One agents, employees, and affiliated real estate professionals must adhere to fair housing laws, ensuring:
- Equal and professional treatment of all individuals seeking housing.
- Fair marketing practices that do not exclude or discourage any protected groups.
- Compliance with federal, state, and local fair housing requirements.
- Reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Fair Housing Act, and accessible public spaces in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act where applicable.
Advertising & Marketing Practices
Bureau One ensures that all property listings and advertisements:
- Contain inclusive language that does not indicate any preference, limitation, or discrimination.
- Adhere to fair housing guidelines, avoiding discriminatory imagery or statements.
- Do not make any false claims that discourage protected groups from considering properties.
Complaint Procedure
If you believe you have been subject to housing discrimination while using Bureau One’s services, you may:
- Contact our Compliance Office at compliance@bureau.one
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at www.hud.gov (opens in a new tab) or call 1-800-669-9777
- File a complaint with the fair housing agency in your state.
- Contact your local fair housing enforcement agency for assistance.
Commitment to Equal Housing
Bureau One remains dedicated to creating an inclusive, fair, and equitable housing market. We continually educate our employees and partners to support that fair housing laws are upheld in every transaction.
For more information on fair housing rights, visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website at www.hud.gov/fairhousing (opens in a new tab).
Bureau One Inc. is an Equal Housing Opportunity company and an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Fair Housing Statement is subject to updates and revisions as necessary to remain in compliance with applicable laws and best practices.
06Accessibility
If any part of this site is difficult for you to use, we want to know. This statement covers the standard we work against, what the site does today, and how to reach us when something is not working.
Bureau One Inc. (referred to as “Bureau One™” or “Company”) is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to provide an inclusive and user-friendly experience across all of our digital platforms.
Commitment to Accessibility
Bureau One is committed to improving the accessibility of our websites and digital platforms. We use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as our reference standard and are working toward conformance. We recognize that some areas of our websites may not yet fully meet this standard, and we welcome feedback that helps us improve.
Accessibility Features
- To enhance accessibility, our website incorporates the following features:
- Clear contact channels for accessibility assistance
- Ongoing review and remediation of identified barriers
Reporting Accessibility Issues
Bureau One is committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities.
If you encounter any accessibility barriers while using our website or require assistance, please contact us:
- Email: accessibility@bureau.one
We take all accessibility feedback seriously and will work promptly to resolve reported issues in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and applicable laws.
Ongoing Improvements
Bureau One is committed to continuous accessibility enhancements, including:
- Regular website audits and testing.
- Employee training on digital accessibility best practices.
- Incorporating user feedback to improve accessibility features.
Third-Party Content & Limitations
While Bureau One strives to make all digital content accessible, some third-party integrations or content beyond our control may not fully comply with accessibility standards. We encourage users to contact us with any concerns regarding third-party accessibility.
Future Updates & Compliance
Bureau One will continue improving website accessibility and updating this statement to reflect ongoing efforts. If significant changes occur, we will provide notice on our website.
We are committed to creating an inclusive digital experience for all users.
For accessibility support, contact accessibility@bureau.one.
07Fraud
Real estate fraud is common and expensive, and wire fraud in particular tends to hit people at the moment they can least absorb the loss. This alert covers the schemes that show up most often, the steps that stop them, and what to do if you think you have been targeted.
Bureau One Inc. (referred to as “Bureau One™” or “Company”) is committed to protecting its clients from fraudulent real estate schemes and scams. Please review this Fraud Alert Disclaimer to understand common threats and how to safeguard yourself from fraud.
Common Real Estate Scams
Real estate fraud can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Wire Fraud: Criminals may impersonate agents or escrow officers to request unauthorized wire transfers.
- Fake Listings: Fraudulent property listings created to collect deposits or personal information.
- Phishing Scams: Emails or phone calls attempting to trick users into revealing sensitive data.
- Title Fraud: Unauthorized individuals may attempt to transfer property ownership fraudulently.
- Rental Scams: Scammers may pose as landlords to collect security deposits for properties they do not own.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to fraud:
- Verify Identities: Always confirm the identity of real estate agents, escrow officers, and financial institutions before proceeding with transactions.
- Use Secure Communication: Be wary of email-based wire instructions; always confirm financial transactions via a verified phone number.
- Check Listings Carefully: Ensure that property listings come from reputable sources before making payments or signing documents.
- Monitor Your Transactions: Regularly review bank statements and property ownership records for unauthorized changes.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, notify Bureau One immediately at security@bureau.one.
Bureau One’s Commitment to Security
Bureau One employs security measures to protect clients from fraud, including:
- Encrypted communications for sensitive transactions.
- Identity verification procedures for buyers, sellers, and agents.
- Compliance with federal and state real estate security regulations.
Reporting Fraud
If you believe you have encountered a fraudulent transaction:
- Contact your bank immediately and ask them to initiate a wire recall. Do this first. Recall is far more likely to succeed within the first 24 to 72 hours.
- Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov (opens in a new tab).
- Contact Bureau One’s Fraud Prevention Team at security@bureau.one or 435-731-4432.
- File a report with local law enforcement.
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab).
Disclaimer
Bureau One will never send wire instructions by email, change wire instructions mid-transaction, ask for your online banking password, your full Social Security number by email or text, or a one-time passcode, ask you to send funds to an individual rather than a licensed title or escrow company, pressure you to move money quickly or outside normal business hours, or ask you to buy gift cards, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards for any part of a real estate transaction. Wiring details are confirmed by phone, using a number you already have. Clients are solely responsible for verifying financial transactions and ensuring due diligence. Bureau One is not liable for losses resulting from third-party fraud or unauthorized transactions.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and protect yourself from real estate fraud.
This Fraud Alert Disclaimer is subject to updates and revisions to remain aligned with best security practices.
08Agency & representation
Real estate brokerage services within the Bureau One ecosystem are provided by Bureau Real Estate LLC, a licensed real estate brokerage. Agency duties are owed by that brokerage and by the licensed professionals working under its supervision.
Who Provides Brokerage Services
Bureau One Inc. is the parent company. It holds no real estate license, does not provide brokerage services, and does not represent buyers or sellers. Bureau Direct LLC is a brokerage in development. It is not currently licensed, does not provide brokerage services, and does not represent buyers or sellers. Bureau Services LLC, Bureau Café LLC, and Prisana LLC are not licensed real estate brokerages and do not represent buyers or sellers.
Agency Relationships
An agency relationship is created when a brokerage agrees to represent a party in a real estate transaction. Bureau Real Estate LLC may represent a seller, may represent a buyer, and may in some circumstances represent both parties in the same transaction, an arrangement described as dual agency or limited agency depending on the state.
A person who has not entered into a written agency agreement with the brokerage is not a client. A licensed professional still owes that person honesty and the disclosure of known material facts, but does not owe the duties of representation described below.
Duties Owed to a Client
Where Bureau Real Estate LLC represents you, the brokerage and its licensed professionals owe you loyalty, obedience to your lawful instructions, disclosure of material facts known to them, confidentiality of your information, reasonable care and diligence, and a full accounting for any funds or property handled on your behalf.
Where the brokerage represents both parties in the same transaction, the duties of loyalty and confidentiality are necessarily limited. That limitation is explained in writing, and consent is obtained from both parties, before the arrangement takes effect.
Written Disclosure
The agency relationship is put in writing before it begins. The written disclosure states who the brokerage represents, what that means for the advice you receive and for the information that can be shared, and how compensation is handled. It is provided to you by your Bureau Real Estate professional before you enter into a binding agreement.
State Variation
Agency relationships, the duties attached to them, the terminology used to describe them, and the form of the required disclosure are all set by state law and vary between states. The disclosure that applies to your transaction is the one provided to you in your state. It is published at bureaurealestate.com/legal (opens in a new tab).
For questions about representation, contact compliance@bureau.one.
09Disclosure obligations
Disclosure is not paperwork completed at the end of a transaction. The information that affects a decision is disclosed before the decision is made.
Agency Status
You are told in writing who the brokerage represents before you sign anything that binds you. Where representation changes during a transaction, or where the brokerage comes to represent both parties, you are told and your written consent is obtained before the change takes effect.
Material Facts
Known conditions and circumstances that would affect a reasonable buyer’s or seller’s decision are disclosed. A licensed professional does not withhold a known material fact in order to keep a transaction moving. What constitutes a material fact, and what a seller is separately required to disclose, is set by state law.
Compensation
Compensation is disclosed in writing before you agree to it. Real estate commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. Where compensation for a transaction may come from more than one source, that is disclosed to you before you commit.
Affiliated Services & Conflicts
Where another Bureau One company provides a service within your transaction, that relationship is disclosed to you before you choose that service. You are never required to use a Bureau One company, and choosing not to use one has no effect on the brokerage services you receive.
Timing
Each disclosure above is made before the point at which it would affect your decision, not after. Where a state sets a specific deadline or a specific form, the state requirement governs and Bureau Real Estate LLC follows it.
For questions about disclosure, contact compliance@bureau.one.
Regulatory monitoring
Bureau One continuously monitors evolving privacy, cybersecurity, and consumer protection standards to align with emerging regulatory and industry expectations.
This page is a published policy of Bureau One Inc. and governs over any descriptive summary of the same subject elsewhere on this site.