Zaki Ameer

Full Report

Key Points

• Zaki Ameer is an Australian entrepreneur and founder of Dream Design Property (DDP Property), a company focused on property investment and wealth creation.

• Ameer faced a fraud charge in 2024 related to a falsified bank receipt but successfully appealed the conviction, resulting in no recorded conviction and a minor penalty.

• Customer feedback is mixed, with some praising his mentorship and others alleging unfulfilled money-back guarantees and financial losses.

• Reputational risks persist due to past legal issues and negative client experiences, despite Ameer’s claims of transparency and integrity.

• No bankruptcy or unpaid debt records were found, but the fraud charge and customer complaints raise concerns about business practices.

Overview

Zaki Ameer is an Australian property investor, entrepreneur, and author known for founding Dream Design Property (DDP Property), a company established in 2011 to assist clients in achieving financial freedom through real estate investments. Originally from Sri Lanka, Ameer moved to Australia at 18, reportedly building a property portfolio worth over $3 million within a few years. DDP Property claims to have helped over 2,000 clients purchase more than 1,300 properties, generating an annual turnover of $13.8 million. Ameer also hosts a podcast, “Property & Wealth Mastery: Unveiling Success with Zaki Ameer,” and conducts seminars on wealth creation and personal development.

Allegations and Concerns

• Fraud Charge (2024): Ameer was charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, involving a falsified bank receipt for a $4,000 payment, allegedly to secure a $7,500 financial advantage. He pleaded guilty but successfully appealed, avoiding a conviction.

• Unfulfilled Money-Back Guarantees: Former DDP sales manager Brendan James alleged that Ameer failed to honor money-back guarantees for clients who paid upfront fees of around $15,000, leaving some in debt.

• Questionable Business Practices: Online discussions on platforms like Somersoft have described Ameer as a “slick looking salesperson,” raising concerns about the authenticity of his business model, which some compare to other property “spruikers.”

• Lack of Transparency: Despite Ameer’s claims of integrity, the fraud charge and customer complaints suggest potential gaps in transparent business dealings.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback on Zaki Ameer and DDP Property is polarized:

• Positive Feedback: Some clients praise Ameer’s mentorship and DDP’s personalized approach. A podcast episode highlights a “determined single mum” who successfully bought a home using her superannuation, citing Ameer’s guidance as “inspiring” and “valuable.”

• Negative Feedback: Several clients reported financial losses due to unfulfilled money-back guarantees. Former sales manager Brendan James claimed, “There were many cases where people simply could not get finance and no matter which way they go about it, they weren’t refunded their money.”

• Mixed Online Sentiment: On forums like Somersoft, users express skepticism, with one noting, “It would seem that so far he has faithfully followed the formula used by other spruikers, hopefully, finally, one of them might actually help people rather than helping themselves.” No widespread positive testimonials were found on major review platforms.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risk: Clients may face financial losses due to high upfront fees (e.g., $15,000) and unfulfilled refund promises, as alleged by former clients.

• Reputational Risk: The fraud charge, even though overturned, and negative customer feedback could damage Ameer’s credibility and DDP’s reputation in the property investment industry.

• Legal Risk: While the 2024 fraud conviction was overturned, future complaints or legal actions from dissatisfied clients could pose ongoing risks.

• Operational Risk: Allegations of deceptive practices and lack of transparency may deter potential clients, impacting DDP’s growth and sustainability.

Business Relations and Associations

• DDP Property: Ameer is the founder and primary figure behind DDP Property, which offers wealth creation mentoring and property investment services.

• Legal Team: During the 2024 appeal, Ameer was represented by barrister Philip Strickland SC of Forbes Chambers and lawyer Jasmina Ceic, indicating access to high-caliber legal support.

• No Notable Partnerships: No significant partnerships with other organizations or individuals were identified beyond DDP’s client base and Ameer’s media appearances.

• Media Presence: Ameer has appeared on national television and in newspapers as a property expert, though some coverage, such as on A Current Affair, focused on negative client experiences.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Lawsuits: Ameer faced a fraud charge in 2024 for providing a falsified bank receipt, prosecuted by NSW Fair Trading. He pleaded guilty but appealed successfully in the NSW District Court, resulting in a Section 10(1)(b) non-conviction, a $1,500 fine, and a 10-month community corrections order.

• Bankruptcy Records: No evidence of bankruptcy or insolvency was found in public records.

• Unpaid Debts: The fraud charge involved a disputed $4,000 payment, which Ameer claimed was repaid before the charge. No other unpaid debt records were identified.

• Regulatory Issues: NSW Fair Trading’s involvement in the fraud case suggests scrutiny of Ameer’s business practices, though no ongoing regulatory penalties were noted post-appeal.

Risk Assessment Table

Cautionary Advice: Potential clients should approach Zaki Ameer and DDP Property with caution. Verify all financial commitments, including refund policies, in writing before engaging. Research independent reviews and consult with financial advisors to assess the legitimacy of investment strategies. Given the fraud charge history, monitor Ameer’s business for further complaints or legal issues. If concerns arise, report suspicious activity to NSW Fair Trading or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov. Cross-check Ameer’s claims against credible sources to avoid potential financial or reputational harm.