By Arosh John | Founder – John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835) | Editor-in-Chief – Thane Real Estate News
It has come to my notice that certain fraudulent practices are resurfacing in the market—cases I have heard of in the past as well. Scamsters, posing as real estate agents or intermediaries, are targeting property owners, tenants, and particularly NRI landlords who do not have local access.
Here’s how these scams usually unfold:
Fraudsters initially approach owners under the pretext of helping rent out their flats. They then extend this “assistance” by offering to settle developer dues, society maintenance, or property taxes. Instead of directing payments to the rightful authority, they pressure owners into transferring funds into their personal or fake accounts.
The Trap
Such fraudsters often tempt owners with promises of waived interest, reduced charges, or quicker clearances if payments are routed through them. But the reality is simple: if you have the time to transfer funds into an unknown individual’s account, you can just as easily transfer them directly into the official account of your builder, society, or municipality.
In today’s digital era—with developer and society portals, transparent systems, and official online channels—getting accurate information is easier than ever. It only requires a little time and a clear mind to verify, empowering you to make informed decisions.
What You Must Know
- Real estate professionals are only authorized to collect their professional fees.
- They do not have the authority to accept payments on behalf of developers, housing societies, or government authorities. Any such request is beyond their scope and should be treated as a warning sign.
- All dues—whether to your builder, society, or municipality—must be paid directly into official accounts, with receipts issued in your name.
- Always check whether demands are presented in an official format, on letterhead, and from a verifiable source. If uncertain, cross-verify with other residents or the society office for confirmation.
- Any request for payments into personal accounts to “settle official dues” is a red flag.
For Tenants: Protect Your Rental Transactions
Fraud is not limited to property owners. Tenants, too, must be cautious when renting flats.
- Always transfer token, advance, or security deposit payments directly to the registered owner of the flat.
- Ask for proof of ownership before paying—even a simple electricity bill in the owner’s name can serve as verification.
- Real estate agents, unless explicitly documented in writing, are not authorized to collect rent, deposits, or advance payments into their accounts.
- Ensure every transaction is acknowledged with a proper receipt issued by the property owner.
Choose the Right Real Estate Professionals & RERA-Registered Realtors
Selecting the right representation is as important as avoiding fraud. The right choice gives you confidence and security in your transactions.
- Do your research: check the consultant’s Google presence, reputation, reviews, and feedback from other residents.
- Engage only with RERA-registered realtors whose credentials can be verified on official portals.
- Be cautious of those offering heavy discounts (e.g., 50% off brokerage fees) or claiming to work entirely free of charge. In real estate, as in life, all that glitters is not gold.
- Legitimate realtors charge their professional fees transparently. NOTHING IS TRULY FREE—if someone offers to work without charge, it is usually a tactic to mislead or scam.
Golden Rules for Safe Transactions
✔ Verify official account details, invoices, and communication channels.
✔ Use only registered emails, official portals, or society offices for confirmations.
✔ Maintain both digital and physical records for every payment.
✔ When in doubt, consult the concerned authority directly before proceeding.
Final Note
Fraudulent transactions not only cause financial loss but can also complicate property ownership and tenancy. By engaging legitimate professionals and ensuring all payments are made directly to the rightful authorities, you safeguard both your investment and your peace of mind.
In real estate, transparency and mindful transactions are your strongest protection. Stay vigilant and do not fall prey to promises of shortcuts or “special arrangements.”
About the Author
Arosh John is the Founder of John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835) and Editor-in-Chief of Thane Real Estate News. With over a decade of experience in the Thane real estate market, he is recognized as a trusted advisor for homebuyers, investors, tenants, and NRIs. A specialist in luxury properties and transparent transactions, he is committed to making Thane real estate more accessible and reliable through fact-based insights and advisory.
Disclaimer
This article is intended solely for awareness and educational purposes. Real estate transactions—whether for buying, selling, or renting—must always be carried out directly with the concerned developer, society, registered property owner, or authority through their official accounts and verified channels. Readers are strongly advised to exercise due diligence, verify the credentials of any agent or consultant, and seek independent legal or financial advice before making payments. Neither the author nor Thane Real Estate News shall be responsible for any losses arising from fraudulent transactions or reliance on third-party claims.
