Fake rental, PG or hostel listing asking for a token deposit
A room at a good price is offered by an "owner" who cannot meet in person and wants a token deposit before a visit.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- A room, flat or PG near your college or office is listed online at a very good price, with clean, attractive photos.
- The "owner" says he is posted elsewhere, often in the army or abroad, so he cannot show it, and says many others are interested.
- You are asked to pay a token deposit or the first month's rent by UPI to "book" it, and after that the owner stops replying.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Hi, I am Major Verma, posted in Jammu right now. Flat is available at Rs 12,000 rent. Many enquiries, send Rs 5,000 token on UPI and I will courier the keys.
Pay Rs 2,000 visit charge first, then our person will show you the PG today. It is refundable.
Red flags
- Owner cannot meet or show the place
- Rent far below others in the area
- Deposit asked before any visit
- Pressure because "many people are interested"
- Keys or agreement to be sent "by courier"
The one question to ask
Have you seen the room in person and met the owner before paying anything?
Already paid or shared details?
Call 1930 at once: in the first hour the money can often still be frozen before it moves on. Then call your bank on the number printed on your card, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots of every message and payment.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- Fake army officer selling furniture or a bike cheaply
- Fake hostel or room near an exam centre
- Broker who takes a "visit fee" and disappears