Fake rental / property listing scam in India

How this scam works

A cheap flat or PG listing asks for a 'token advance' or security deposit before any visit, often from someone claiming to be posted elsewhere.

हिंदी में सारांश

मकान देखे बिना टोकन या सिक्योरिटी न भेजें।

ठगी होने पर तुरंत 1930 पर कॉल करें या cybercrime.gov.in पर शिकायत दर्ज करें।

Warning signs

• Deposit before seeing the property
• Owner can't meet in person
• Rent far below the area rate

If you're targeted

1. Don't pay, don't share OTPs or PINs, and don't install any app they suggest.
2. If money was sent, call your bank and then 1930 within the first hour — quick reporting gives the best chance of freezing the money.
3. File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in and keep screenshots and payment details as evidence.

India helplines · भारत हेल्पलाइन

• 1930National cyber fraud helpline (24×7) · साइबर फ्रॉड हेल्पलाइन
• 112Emergency / police · आपातकालीन सहायता
• 14448RBI complaint helpline (bank / UPI) · RBI शिकायत
• 1915National Consumer Helpline · उपभोक्ता हेल्पलाइन
• cybercrime.gov.inFile an online complaint · ऑनलाइन शिकायत
• ChakshuReport fraud calls/SMS · फर्जी कॉल की रिपोर्ट

Official warning