Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam

How Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam Works

Overview: Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam preys on homebuyers by impersonating official state RERA portals and apps to collect advance deposits for non-existent properties. Victims are tricked by convincingly cloned websites and mobile applications which look identical to legitimate RERA portals, and suffer significant financial loss. How It Works: Fraudsters buy domain names closely resembling official RERA websites or launch apps with misleading titles on Google Play/App Store. They advertise these portals in property WhatsApp groups, Facebook ads, and SMS alerts. Interested buyers are asked to register, fill forms, or make advance deposits to book flats or access exclusive RERA-approved project deals. These details and payments are siphoned off by scammers, who disappear or use stolen data for further fraud. India Angle: Big cities like Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad have seen a spike in these scams. It especially affects tech-savvy youth, IT professionals, and migrants looking for quick online property bookings without visiting physical offices. The scam is evolving with regional language versions for non-English speakers. Real Examples: SMS alert—“Visit gujrera-gov.in to book affordable housing. 100% RERA registered, exclusive deal for You. Download app now!” or a WhatsApp broadcast with a link to download 'MahaRERA-Official-AppAPK'. Red Flags: - Domains with odd spellings (e.g., rera-gujaratt.com) - Apps not listed on official state RERA portals - Requests for deposits immediately after sign-up - No secure (https://) connection or SSL warnings in browser Protective Measures: Only access RERA information via official state government websites. Search for apps using official government developer names only. Never pay advances on portals or apps before on-ground verification. Report suspicious websites or apps to cybercrime.gov.in. If Victimised: Stop further transactions. Save proof (screenshots, payment details) and file a complaint on the cybercrime portal and 1930 helpline. Inform state RERA offices with all evidence. Related Scams: Fake GPay/Paytm app frauds in real estate, OLX property ad scams, and phishing via property aggregator clones.

Visual Intelligence:

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

Who Does Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam

• Suspicious RERA website/app domain names or URLs
• Requests for payments after online form-fill
• App not verified as government-issued
• No secure (https://) browser connection

What To Do If You Encounter Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection 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 RERA Websites and Apps Collection 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 RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam?

Overview: Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam preys on homebuyers by impersonating official state RERA portals and apps to collect advance deposits for non-existent properties. Victims are tricked by convincingly cloned websites and mobile applications which look identical to legitimate RERA portals, and suffer significant financial loss. How It Works: Fraudsters buy domain names closely resembling official RERA websites or launch apps with misleading titles on Google Play/App Store. Th

How does Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam work?

Overview: Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection Scam preys on homebuyers by impersonating official state RERA portals and apps to collect advance deposits for non-existent properties. Victims are tricked by convincingly cloned websites and mobile applications which look identical to legitimate RERA portals, and suffer significant financial loss. How It Works: Fraudsters buy domain names closely

How to protect yourself from Fake RERA Websites and Apps Collection 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 RERA Websites and Apps Collection 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.