# 10.44 Referral Fees or Kickbacks Are Prohibited

**Company policy is to never accept or request any referral fee or kickback from lenders, escrow, title, or termite companies.**

Referral fees or kickbacks from lenders, escrow companies, insurance companies, pest control companies, home inspection companies, etc., may give the appearance of a conflict of interest. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act prohibits the payment of referral fees or finder’s fees by federally related lenders. State licensing laws prohibit receiving a referral fee from an escrow, title, or termite company.