🚨 Bangalore Rental Scam Alert: Fake OLX/FB Marketplace/NoBroker/Magicbricks Listings, “Visiting

\*\*Please read this if you’re looking for a flat in Bangalore, especially if you’re moving from another city!\*\*

I recently got scammed while searching for a rental property in Bangalore, and I want to share my experience so that others don’t end up losing their hard-earned money to these people.

This appears to be a recurring racket involving fake rental listings, impersonated owners or brokers, reused property photos, and advance payment demands. I’ve come across suspicious listings on \*\*OLX and Facebook Marketplace\*\*, and I’ve also encountered similar red flags on larger platforms like \*\*NoBroker and Magicbricks\*\*. I can’t speak for every listing on these platforms, but please don’t assume a listing is genuine just because it’s posted on a well-known app.

\*\*🚩 HOW THE SCAM WORKS\*\*

\*\*1. They post attractive rental listings using stolen or recycled pictures.\*\*

Some listings use pictures taken from older rental posts, other people’s listings, Google Images, or possibly AI-generated images. I’ve noticed what appear to be the same or very similar property pictures being posted from different phone numbers and even for properties supposedly located in different cities.

The listings often look convincing because they include:

Rent and security deposits that seem unusually affordable.

Claims that the property is fully furnished.

A long list of appliances, amenities, and additional benefits.

Statements such as “no brokerage,” “no extra charges,” and “direct owner.”

Claims that they are the actual property owner, not a broker.

The idea seems to be to make the offer look too good to pass up.

\*\*2. When you ask for a property visit, the excuses begin.\*\*

They may say someone will contact you to arrange the visit, or