Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam

How Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam Works

Overview: The Fake Power of Attorney (PoA) and Digital Identity Scam is a sophisticated fraud where imposters use counterfeit identities and forged PoA documents to illegally sell or mortgage properties. With more states accepting digital signatures, Aadhaar eKYC, and remote filing, criminals remotely pose as owners—often using biometric or Aadhaar-linked portals—to execute fraudulent sales. This scam leaves genuine owners and buyers exposed to significant legal and financial losses, particularly in a rapidly digitizing real estate environment. How It Works: The scam operates by first forging identity proofs (Aadhaar, PAN) to match the property's real owner. Fraudsters then create fake PoA documents, either manually or using digital editing software, and link them with forged Aadhaar details. Using these, they log into online registration systems (like Delhi's NGDRS), upload the paperwork, and initiate remote sales or transfers. Sometimes, they introduce a 'ghost tenant' to claim adverse possession. Scammers often ask for OTPs or biometric verification from the target, under the pretext of speeding up official approval. Once a sale or loan is executed, the scammer vanishes—leaving the original owner/family with a severe legal mess. India Angle: This method is prevalent in high-density cities with advanced digital property systems—Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune. NRIs, elderly homeowners, and absentee landlords are common victims, as they may rely on unverified agents or digital intermediaries for property transactions. WhatsApp and SMS are commonly used to demand OTPs or approval to 'complete eKYC.' Real Examples: An NRI woman receives an email from a 'property consultant' offering to simplify her flat sale in Mumbai, asking her to share Aadhaar OTP 'for e-signature.' She later learns that the property was illegally conveyed to someone else using a forged PoA. In another instance, a retired couple gets WhatsApp links to a portal claiming an urgent property verification is pending, with requests for a video selfie for biometric authentication. Red Flags: 1. Unsolicited requests for Aadhaar OTPs or digital signature approval. 2. Sudden communication from 'local contacts' insisting urgency for property updates. 3. Lack of evidence for physical inspection or refusal to meet in person. 4. Ownership disputes or mortgage claims appearing in portal status. 5. Incomplete paperwork—especially missing completion certificates or clearances. Protective Measures: - Do not share OTPs, photos, or biometric data with unknown callers or agents. - Use only authorised portals; verify property transfers in person whenever possible. - Hire a reliable property lawyer to oversee digital property transactions. - Always re-check property status after any digital or PoA-based sale/transfer claim. - Regularly monitor your property listings on official government portals. If Victimised: - Report immediately to cybercrime.gov.in and call 1930. - Notify the Sub-Registrar and police, giving all evidence of impersonation. - Freeze further transactions on the property through legal intervention. - Inform your bank/lender if linked to any mortgage with forged credentials. Related Scams: - eKYC phishing for property-related biometric/OTP data. - 'Ghost tenant' adverse possession scams. - Title forgery with deepfake video signings.

Visual Intelligence:

BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.

Who Does Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam

• Calls or emails demanding Aadhaar OTPs for property sale
• No in-person verification or property inspection
• New disputed mortgages showing in online property records
• Urgent requests for biometric or e-signature approvals
• Missing completion certificates

What To Do If You Encounter Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam

1. Do not click any links or share personal information
2. Block and report the sender immediately
3. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
4. Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to Report Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam in India

• Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
• File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
• Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
• Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam?

Overview: The Fake Power of Attorney (PoA) and Digital Identity Scam is a sophisticated fraud where imposters use counterfeit identities and forged PoA documents to illegally sell or mortgage properties. With more states accepting digital signatures, Aadhaar eKYC, and remote filing, criminals remotely pose as owners—often using biometric or Aadhaar-linked portals—to execute fraudulent sales. This scam leaves genuine owners and buyers exposed to significant legal and financial losses, particularl

How does Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam work?

Overview: The Fake Power of Attorney (PoA) and Digital Identity Scam is a sophisticated fraud where imposters use counterfeit identities and forged PoA documents to illegally sell or mortgage properties. With more states accepting digital signatures, Aadhaar eKYC, and remote filing, criminals remotely pose as owners—often using biometric or Aadhaar-linked portals—to execute fraudulent sales. This

How to protect yourself from Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam?

Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to report Fake Power of Attorney and Digital Identity Scam in India?

Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

Verify Any Suspicious Message

Check any suspicious message, link, or call for free at bharatsecure.app. BharatSecure uses AI to detect scams in real-time and protect Indian users.