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Buyer & Tenant Advisory

Fraud Prevention Guidelines

Practical safety rules to safeguard yourself when renting or purchasing property in Mumbai

Golden Rule: Never Transfer Money Before In-Person Verification

Legitimate property owners and brokers in Mumbai will NEVER ask you to pay "gate pass fees", "refundable visit token", or "advance viewing charges" via UPI before you physically inspect the flat and meet them in person.

1. Common Real Estate Scams in Mumbai

Fake Military / Defense Personnel Impersonation

Scammers claim to be an Army/CISF officer transferred to Mumbai Airport or Navy Dockyard offering below-market rent. They ask for an advance UPI token for a "garrison gate pass". Never pay.

Phantom Rental Listings

High-end photos of luxury Bandra or Powai flats stolen from Airbnb or interior design catalogs offered at unrealistically cheap rents. Always insist on an in-person physical inspection.

QR Code Scams

The caller sends a QR code claiming "scan this to receive a deposit refund". Scanning a QR code or entering your UPI PIN always DEBITS money from your bank account; it never credits you.

Unregistered Project Bookings

Brokers promoting "pre-launch soft offers" without a valid MahaRERA project registration number. Under RERA 2016, pre-launch bookings without RERA numbers are illegal.

2. Safety Checklist for Renting

  • Visit the society building in person and cross-verify with the society security or management office.
  • Demand to see proof of ownership (Index II, Property Tax Receipt, or Electricity Bill in the owner's name).
  • Always execute a legally registered Leave and License agreement under Maharashtra government e-Registration.
  • Pay the security deposit only through account-payee cheque or direct NEFT/RTGS to the verified owner's bank account.

3. Safety Checklist for Buying

  • Hire an independent property advocate to conduct a 30-year title search and issue a formal Title Certificate.
  • Verify the Commencement Certificate (CC), approved municipal plans, and Occupancy Certificate (OC) from MCGM/NMMC/CIDCO.
  • Ensure the property is free of encumbrance or undisclosed bank mortgages.

4. Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter any suspicious listing, fraudulent caller, or advance payment demand on MumbaiNest, report it immediately to our Trust & Safety unit at safety@mumbainest.com with screenshots and caller details.