In a tale that seems ripped from the pages of a crime novel, a real estate agent has allegedly fled overseas, leaving behind a trail of financial devastation and a community in shock.

The accusations have sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about trust and accountability within the industry.

As the investigation unfolds, many are closely watching to see how the case develops and what repercussions it might have for those involved.


Debra Lawry, who conducted business as ‘Debra Watchman’, is accused of pilfering hundreds of thousands of dollars from her trusting clients and hardworking employees, leaving them grappling with the fallout of her deceit.

The real estate industry, often seen as a cornerstone of trust in the Australian dream of home ownership, has been rocked by this scandal.

It's a stark reminder that even in a profession built on the foundations of property and stability, one individual's actions can shake the confidence of many.


The story unfolded as Shay Preston, a primary school teacher and single mother, sold her family home, expecting to start a new chapter in her life.

Instead, she found herself entangled in a financial nightmare.

While she was able to recover the deposit from Ray White—the agency Lawry was affiliated with—the ordeal cost her thousands in unforeseen expenses, not to mention the emotional toll it took on her and her family.


‘It was very hard, very anxious, very stressful,’ Preston recounted, echoing the sentiments of many who find themselves victims of financial fraud.

‘It's been a very stressful month.’

The betrayal by someone they had entrusted with one of their most significant financial transactions is a bitter pill to swallow.

The staff at Ray White Romsey, located north of Melbourne, were also left in the lurch, with tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid superannuation, leave entitlements, and commission—earnings they had worked hard for—suddenly in jeopardy.

The sense of injustice is palpable as they grapple with the reality of their employer's alleged duplicity.

‘I felt horrible, they have done, they were doing a job for us, and regardless of who they were working under, they did a job,’ Preston lamented.


The discovery that Lawry had been planning her escape, seeking long-term accommodation in Italy, came as a shock to her employees, who had found her office emptied.

The betrayal felt by those who worked alongside her is profound, with Preston expressing a sentiment shared by many: ‘I hope she steps one toe out of wherever she is, and just they get her because that's a lot of people that she's hurt.’

Consumer Affairs Victoria had been circling, with public announcements of their intent to suspend or cancel Lawry's estate licenses, citing a deliberate failure to comply with auditing obligations over the last four years.

This regulatory action, however, came too late for those who had already been affected by Lawry's alleged misconduct.

In a statement of commitment to integrity, Ray White has pledged to pay all of the commissions owed to the staff, a move that may offer some solace to those affected but cannot erase the breach of trust that has occurred.


The recent allegations against a real estate agent accused of stealing significant amounts from clients and employees have left many questioning the integrity of the industry.

This case recalls another shocking scam in which a real estate agent's severe breach of trust was exposed.

Both incidents highlight the importance of vigilance and accountability in real estate transactions to protect individuals from financial misconduct.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with real estate transactions. Have you ever encountered anything similar? How do you ensure your financial security when dealing with large transactions? Your insights could be invaluable to others in our community.