A sharp-eyed Bengaluru resident has taken to social media to warn the public about a sophisticated new rental scam that preys on people searching for affordable housing in the city's competitive market. The detailed post on Reddit has ignited a crucial conversation about the tactics used by fraudsters to exploit desperate tenants.
The Too-Good-To-Be-True Listing
The Reddit user explained that he encountered multiple advertisements for stunningly cheap apartments on popular property portals. The ads showcased fully furnished 2BHK flats in prime areas like JP Nagar, complete with televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and access to premium amenities such as a gym and swimming pool. The unbelievable hook? An all-inclusive monthly rent of just Rs 15,000.
"I was already skeptical as it was a fully furnished 2BHK, for just 15K… TV, Fridge, Washing Machine everything," the user wrote, highlighting the immediate red flags. Despite his suspicions, he decided to contact the number provided to investigate further.
The Elaborate Con: The 'Entry Card' Fee
Upon calling, the person posing as the landlord presented a convincing story. They claimed that due to strict society rules, direct visits to the apartment were not permitted. Instead, a prospective tenant must first obtain a digital entry ID card to be allowed inside the premises.
The scammer then requested a photograph and a copy of a government ID to generate this pass. The Redditor strongly cautioned against this, warning, "In this world of AI a single photo can be used to blackmail you into doing many things."
The real financial trap was sprung next. The fraudster asked for a refundable deposit of Rs 2,500 to create the entry card. The promise was that this amount would be returned after the flat viewing. However, as soon as the payment is made, the scammer disappears, cutting off all communication.
Community Response and Wider Warnings
The post quickly gained traction, with many other users sharing similar experiences and expressing concern. One commenter revealed, "Faced this same scam 2 years ago, had to pay 500 as a token amount. NEVER EVER PAY MONEY JUST TO SEE A FLAT. MAJOR RED FLAG." They advised using registered brokers instead, despite their fees, for legitimate viewings.
Another user lamented, "No way OP why didn’t you post it earlier. I am new to Bangalore and got scammed of 20K today," underscoring the scam's effectiveness on newcomers to the city.
The discussion highlighted that fraudsters are leveraging Bengaluru's intense rental demand and housing shortage. The consensus from the online community was clear:
- Never share personal ID documents with an unverified landlord.
- Never make any advance payment or deposit before physically seeing a property and signing an agreement.
- Be extremely wary of listings that offer luxury at unrealistically low prices.
- Always insist on meeting at the property society gate and verifying details with security personnel.
The Redditor confirmed that when he insisted on meeting at the society gate first to verify the ID with security, the scammer immediately disconnected the call. He also noted seeing at least two identical listings, indicating this method may be part of an organized racket spreading across rental platforms.
