Property/Rental Fraud
Pause, verify the request through an official channel and never act under pressure.
What is this fraud?
Fake owners, tenants, brokers or listings are used to collect booking advances, deposits or verification payments.
How does it happen?
Copied property images and forged documents create a convincing listing; urgency or an 'army officer' identity is used to avoid inspection and demand advance payment.
Warning signs
Price below market; refusal to show property; owner unavailable; payment before visit/document verification; QR code for receiving deposit; unrelated beneficiary account.
How to stay safe
Physically inspect the property, verify ownership/authority and broker details, use a written agreement and pay only to a verified party with a receipt.
If you are a victim
Contact the bank, call 1930, report online and preserve the listing, property documents, phone numbers, chats and payment proof.
Evidence to preserve
Keep transaction IDs or UTRs, bank messages, screenshots, chats, emails, phone numbers, profiles, URLs, app details, and the exact date and time. Preserve original files without editing or deleting them.
Official reporting
For financial cyber fraud, call 1930 immediately, notify your bank or payment provider, and file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal ↗. General technical advisories are available from CERT-In ↗.