Mumbai Man Falls Victim to NoBroker Rental Scam, Loses ₹2.8 Lakh
A 44-year-old Mumbai resident, Shriram Natarajan, was deceived of ₹2.8 lakh by scammers posing as landlords on the real estate platform NoBroker. The fraud involved a fake rental listing and the funds were eventually traced to a petrol pump in Bhopal.
Cyber FraudReal EstateNobrokerMumbaiBhopalReal Estate MumbaiJul 11, 2025
According to the FIR, Natarajan resides with his family at Runwal Forests, Tower No. 2, LBS Marg, Kanjurmarg (West), and works in a private firm. On the morning of June 28, he was browsing for rental flats on the NoBroker app when he came across an advertisement for a 2BHK flat in the same housing society for ₹47,000 per month.
The ad carried the name 'Avinash' along with a contact number. When Natarajan tried calling the number, poor call quality forced him to disconnect. Minutes later, he received a callback from another number. The caller identified himself as Ashish Parihar, claiming to be the flat's owner. He sent images of the property and provided details, saying the flat was in Tower 4, Room 2705.
Expressing interest, Natarajan visited the flat and saw a nameplate reading 'Garima.' He was shown around the property by a tenant, who gave the impression that the flat was indeed available. Impressed, Natarajan called Parihar again and agreed to rent it.
Parihar then proposed a deal involving a ₹2 lakh deposit and ₹43,000 as the first month’s rent. Over the next few days, Natarajan transferred a total of ₹2.8 lakh — ₹50,000 and ₹30,000 via Google Pay, and the remaining ₹2 lakh to a Bank of Baroda account.
On July 3, when Natarajan tried to contact Parihar again, the number was unreachable. When he called the same Google Pay number, a man named Virendra Yadav answered and claimed he was speaking from Balaji Petrol Pump in Bhopal. Yadav revealed that the money had been withdrawn in cash from the pump by an unknown individual.
Realizing he had been scammed, Natarajan immediately contacted the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 and later filed a complaint at Parksite Police Station. Police have registered an FIR under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act against unknown persons and are currently investigating the case.
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud in the real estate sector, especially on popular platforms like NoBroker. It underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of rental listings and the identities of the landlords before making any financial transactions. Authorities advise potential renters to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to the cybercrime helpline or local police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NoBroker?
NoBroker is a popular real estate platform in India that connects property owners and tenants. It aims to eliminate the need for middlemen and provide a direct and transparent leasing experience.
How did the scam start?
The scam began with a fake rental listing on NoBroker for a 2BHK flat in Mumbai. The scammers posed as landlords and provided convincing details to gain the victim's trust.
How much money was lost in the scam?
The victim, Shriram Natarajan, lost ₹2.8 lakh in total, which included a ₹2 lakh deposit and ₹43,000 as the first month’s rent.
What steps should one take to avoid such scams?
To avoid such scams, verify the authenticity of rental listings and the identities of the landlords. Use official channels for communication and financial transactions, and report any suspicious activities to the cybercrime helpline or local police.
What actions were taken by the police?
The police registered an FIR under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act against unknown persons. They are currently investigating the case to trace the scammers and recover the lost funds.
Related News Articles
UP RERA Mandates QR Codes for Realty Projects in Brochures and Advertisements
Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority introduces QR codes for new real estate projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Countdown to APEX 2024: Where Real Estate Continents Connect
Dubai Land Department (DLD), UAE, to showcase Dubai's vibrant real estate market at APEX 2024, offering insights into investment opportunities, regulatory advancements, and sustainable initiatives.
Godrej Properties Q3 Results: Profit Jumps 161.19% to Rs 162.64 Cr, Firmly on Track to Exceed Bookings
Godrej Properties, a leading real estate developer in India, has reported a significant surge in its Q3 profits, jumping 161.19% to Rs 162.64 crore. The company is confident about exceeding its booking targets for the year, backed by a robust launch pipel
Cyberabad Police Nab Two Suspects in Rs 850 Crore Ponzi Scheme
Cyberabad Police have arrested two individuals in connection with a massive Rs 850 crore ponzi scheme involving fraudulent real estate investments. Authorities are actively investigating to recover misappropriated funds and identify additional suspects.
Zillow's SWOT Analysis: Navigating the Competitive Real Estate Market
As the online real estate market continues to grow, Zillow faces both opportunities and challenges. This SWOT analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the company in the highly competitive housing market.
10-Day Home and Decor Expo to Transform Bhubaneswar's Real Estate Landscape
The much-anticipated Home and Decor Expo in Bhubaneswar, organized by CREDAI, will run for 10 days, catering to prospective home buyers, real estate investors, and industry professionals. This event promises to showcase the latest trends and innovations i