10 property scams to watch for in India, and how to avoid them
5 min read · Updated October 2026 · General information, not legal advice
Most property deals are honest. These are the tricks that cause most losses, and what to do about each.
1. A price that is too good
A price far below the area's rate is bait. Compare with a few similar listings and ask why it is low.
2. A fake owner
Someone shows photos and papers of a property they do not own. Match the seller's ID with the name on the deed and the revenue records, and meet the real owner.
3. The same plot sold twice
Take an encumbrance certificate, register the sale deed quickly and apply for mutation, so the records show you as the owner.
4. Money before you see anything
Never pay a booking amount to see a property, or before you have seen the documents. Pay by bank transfer, never to a personal wallet you cannot trace.
5. Sale by power of attorney or on an agreement only
These do not transfer ownership. Insist on a registered sale deed signed by the owner.
6. A plot with a loan or a dispute
The seller hides a mortgage or a family or court dispute. The encumbrance certificate and a written no-dispute statement, plus a visit to the neighbours, are your protection.
7. A project without RERA registration
For flats and projects, check the registration number on the state's RERA website, and read the approved plan and completion date.
8. Requests for an OTP or a payment link
Nobody needs your OTP, PIN or a UPI collect approval to show or sell a property. Treat any such request as a fraud.
9. Photos that do not match
Photos copied from another listing. Ask for a video call from the property, or a new photo with a note you choose.
10. A rushed deal
"Someone else is paying today" is a pressure tactic. A genuine seller will give you the days you need to check the papers.
If you think you are being cheated
Stop paying, keep all messages and receipts, and report it to the police or cyber-crime portal. On GetAPlot you can report a listing from its page, or from the report-a-problem page.