Key takeaways
Never pay a deposit, token or "visit fee" before viewing a property and verifying the owner.
Common scams include fake landlords, cloned listings, fake army or government officer stories and double-sold properties.
Verify ownership with documents and pay only by traceable bank transfer to the verified owner.
Report cyber fraud quickly on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Online property search is convenient, but it is also used by fraudsters. Most scams follow familiar patterns. Knowing them protects you.

Common rental scams

Scam	How it works	Warning sign
Fake landlord abroad or posted elsewhere	Claims to be away and asks for deposit before keys are couriered	Cannot show the home in person
"Army officer" or "government officer" story	Uses uniform photos to gain trust and requests advance	Urgency, refuses viewing
Cloned listing	Copies a real listing with lower rent	Price far below market
Visit or gate-pass fee	Asks for a small fee to arrange viewing	Payment before seeing anything
QR code "refund"	Sends a QR code to "receive" money	You are asked to scan to receive

Common purchase scams

Double sale: the same property sold to multiple buyers.
Fake documents: forged deeds or approvals.
Impersonation: someone posing as the owner, sometimes with forged IDs.
Unauthorised colony plots sold with false promises. See unauthorised colonies.
GPA sales that don't transfer title. See power of attorney risks.

How to verify

View in person or through a trusted person.
Ask for ownership proof: sale deed, property tax receipt or allotment letter, and match the name with ID.
Check records: land records, RERA registration, authority records.
Search the address and photos online for duplicates.
Speak to the society office or neighbours.
Use a written agreement before payment.
Pay by bank transfer to the verified owner, never cash.

Golden rules

Scanning a QR code or sharing an OTP never helps you receive money.
Urgency is a tactic. A genuine owner will wait a day for verification.
If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.

If you are scammed

Call 1930, the national cyber fraud helpline, immediately.
Report on cybercrime.gov.in.
Inform your bank to try to freeze the transaction.
File a police complaint with all evidence: messages, numbers, transaction IDs.

Safe use of HomeAcross

Use enquiries to ask questions, shortlist carefully and report suspicious listings to us through the contact page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a rental listing is fake?

Warning signs include a price far below market, a landlord who cannot show the property, requests for advance payment before viewing and pressure to decide quickly.

Should I pay token money to book a viewing?

No. Genuine owners and agents do not need payment to show a property.

What should I do if I paid a fake landlord?

Call 1930 immediately, report on cybercrime.gov.in, inform your bank and file a police complaint with evidence.

How can I verify a property owner?

Ask for the sale deed or property tax receipt, match the name with their ID and check land or authority records where possible.

Related HomeAcross guides

Official sources and further reading

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, rates and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act. Read our editorial policy.

How to Spot Property and Rental Scams Online

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