Bengaluru Rental Scam: Social Media User Reveals New Way Fraudsters Are Extracting Money From Flat- Seekers

Bengaluru's house rental market has recently witnessed a rise in fraudulent activities, with scammers employing various tactics to deceive prospective tenants. Several social media users have been taking to X and other microblogging sites highlighting the various methods in which fraudsters are extracting money from probable house buyers or rental home-seekers in Bengaluru.

One such social media post highlighted how fraudsters pose as property owners or brokers, offering attractive deals on rental properties. The post on Instagram showed how they request token payments to secure the property, often disappearing once the payment is made. 

Bengaluru Rental Scam: What's the matter all about?

The post highlighted one such scam in Bengaluru's Bellandur area. The rental scam involved fake real estate agents promoting the plush residential suits of the Sobha Jasmine apartment complex at cheaper rates. Scammers, posing as property owners, share appealing photos of 2BHK flats in Sobha Jasmine and seek token payments to secure the property. After receiving the payment, these fake property owners become unresponsive, leaving prospective tenants defrauded. 

A tech professional in Bengaluru, stated in an Instagram post that he was looking for a 2BHK apartment in Bellandur and came across someone who posed himself as owning a property in Sobha Jasmine. The fake representativ asked him to pay Rs 5,000 for booking the desired flat. However, he applied his wisdom and didn't go for it.
Another prevalent issue in that city involves landlords unlawfully withholding security deposits by alleging damages without evidence.

Republic Business could not independently verify the claims made by the social media user.