Pune
Buying a house in India is more than just a transaction; it’s an emotional experience. For many, it represents the most significant investment of their lives. However, there is a darker side, property fraud. Thousands of people lose their savings every year to scams and counterfeit documents. The worst part? Most victims only realise it when it’s too late.
Let’s break down the most common tricks used by property fraudsters and learn how to stay safe.
One of the most dangerous tricks is the misuse of a Power of Attorney. Some sellers use outdated or cancelled POA documents to sell land. In some instances, they simply forge the papers. You might believe the person has the authority to sell, but later the valid owner appears. Then your deal falls apart. Always verify the POA at the sub-registrar’s office. Don’t trust a photocopy. Have it legally checked.
Scammers are getting smart. They create fake Aadhaar or PAN cards, pose as the real owner and sell property. Once the money is taken, they vanish. This is not just a real estate scam. It’s a complete identity fraud.
Verify the title deed and ownership history. Always cross-check details in the local municipal office. If anything feels odd, pause the deal.
This is a typical case of land fraud, where a single property is sold to multiple buyers. The fraudsters take advantage of slow registration processes. Buyers often only realise the issue when two parties lay claim to the same house. Court battles then tend to drag on for years. Most of the time, nobody benefits except the lawyers. Always verify the encumbrance certificate. Confirm the property’s status in the registry before paying a single rupee.
This is very common. From fake sale deeds to forged NOCs, documents can be easily manipulated. Property fraudsters even copy government seals. One forged paper can make your purchase illegal. Imagine spending all your savings only to discover the deed was fake. That’s the harsh reality for many victims.
Never rely solely on the seller’s copy. Validate each document at the registrar’s office. Hire a lawyer if needed.
Sometimes, buyers purchase land that does not fully belong to them. Property fraudsters extend boundaries into government plots or private land. Later, you might receive demolition notices or face legal disputes.
The solution is to hire a surveyor to verify the actual plot size and compare it with municipal zoning maps. Don’t just trust what is drawn on paper.
A property already pledged to a bank can also be sold to an unsuspecting buyer. Once you purchase it, the bank can still seize it. It feels unfair, but banks have the right. They provided the loan first.
Always verify loan-free status before buying. Visit sites like ibapi. in or ask for a loan clearance certificate to avoid property fraud.
Public notices in newspapers or government portals are not merely formalities. They alert the public about disputes, objections, or claims on a property. Many buyers overlook this step and subsequently face legal issues. These notices are often the first line of defence against property fraudsters attempting to sell disputed or illegally owned land. Checking them might seem tedious, but it can save you years of stress.
Builders sometimes lure buyers with false promises. Swimming pools, gyms, and early possession are often promised, but the reality is different. In truth, the project rarely matches the brochure. Many have lost money on under-construction flats. Some wait years and still don’t receive the keys.
Check if the project is RERA registered. Visit the site physically. Don’t rely solely on advertisements.
Title fraud involves the creation of fake ownership documents. Fraudsters often target unoccupied houses or NRI properties. Their strategy is to make documents look authentic and sell them at a lower price. By the time the original owner discovers the fraud, the fake sale has already taken place.
The best defence is to verify ownership at the sub-registrar’s office. Always request an updated Encumbrance Certificate covering at least 12 years.
Here are a few red flags that point towards fake property deeds:
Falling prey to property fraud is scary, but you can still act. Act quickly. Don’t wait:
Here’s a simple checklist before buying:
Property fraud in India is a real and significant concern. From fake property deeds to land fraud, the tricks are endless. Most scams succeed because buyers don’t verify properly.
Don’t trust just the seller’s words or a broker’s smile. Cross-check every paper. Hire experts if needed. Remember, prevention is always cheaper than fighting in court later. Your home should be a safe space, not a legal battlefield.
