The Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission has received a written complaint that a licensee is engaging in an activity which is prohibited by the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act. What action is the Commission empowered to take

While the Commission has the authority to suspend a license, this action typically follows an investigation and hearing. A suspension cannot be issued solely based on a complaint; evidence must be gathered to justify such a measure.

Issuing a cease and desist order is a potential course of action, but it usually occurs after an investigation establishes wrongdoing. The initial response to a complaint involves fact-finding to ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant this type of enforcement.

Transferring a matter to civil authorities may be appropriate in certain situations; however, it is not the primary responsibility of the Commission. The Commission's first step is to investigate and hold hearings to determine if the complaint has merit before involving external authorities.