TL;DR: Homebuyers make large advance payments to builders and brokers they've often just met. Verify a project's RERA registration on the state RERA portal before paying any advance, and confirm payment details directly with the builder's office using a known number, not one from a message.
Homebuyers make large advance payments to builders and brokers they've often just met.
Common Tactics Used
Fake builders or brokers advertise under-construction flats at below-market prices, collecting a booking advance before disappearing, while others forge RERA registration details to appear legitimate. Fraudsters also impersonate a genuine builder's staff to redirect an installment payment to a different account.
How to Protect Against It
Verify a project's RERA registration on the state RERA portal before paying any advance, and confirm payment details directly with the builder's office using a known number, not one from a message.
What Family and Friends Can Do
Sudden secrecy about money, unusual withdrawals, or a new online relationship that stays undisclosed are all worth a calm, judgment-free conversation. The earlier a scam is caught, the more can usually be recovered.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Scams Targeting Job Seekers in India.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Scams Targeting NRIs (Non-Resident Indians).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they specifically targeted?
Homebuyers make large advance payments to builders and brokers they've often just met.
What tactics do scammers use?
Fake builders or brokers advertise under-construction flats at below-market prices, collecting a booking advance before disappearing, while others forge RERA registration details to appear legitimate. Fraudsters also impersonate a genuine builder's staff to redirect an installment payment to a different account.
How can they protect themselves?
Verify a project's RERA registration on the state RERA portal before paying any advance, and confirm payment details directly with the builder's office using a known number, not one from a message.
What should family or friends watch for?
Sudden secrecy about money or new online relationships, unusual withdrawals or wire transfers, and reluctance to discuss a new "opportunity" or contact in detail are all worth a gentle, non-judgmental conversation.
What should I do if I think this has already happened?
Stop all contact and payments immediately, report it to the appropriate authority, and contact the bank or payment provider involved to see what can be recovered.