Mumbai Man Loses INR 1.07 Crore in Real Estate Scam on Facebook
A 43-year-old man from Mumbai's Dadar area was cheated of INR 1.07 crore by fraudsters who promised him a low-cost flat in the city. The victim, Shekhar Himmat Patil, filed a complaint with the Mumbai Cyber Cell on June 3, 2025.
Real Estate ScamCyber CellFacebook FraudShekhar Himmat PatilSanyam Devmani PandeyReal Estate MumbaiJun 17, 2025
The accused posed as a real estate agent and used a Facebook page called 'Apna Ghar Apne City Mai' to attract people looking for affordable homes. Patil found this page while browsing Facebook and sent an email to the contact mentioned in the advertisement to inquire about the offer.
The accused replied and told Patil that he could help him get a two-bedroom apartment at a discounted rate. He sent Patil a link to a form and asked for his personal details. Later, he demanded INR 50,000 as a registration fee.
For the next couple of years, the fraudster kept demanding more money for different so-called clearances. These included MHADA, BMC NOC, and other fake charges. In total, they took INR 1.07 crore from Patil between November 2018 and November 2024. Despite making all these payments, Patil was never given any property.
When Patil realized he had been cheated, he approached the Cyber Cell. The officers tracked the email communication, checked IP addresses, reviewed the Facebook page, and searched the bank accounts used in the transactions. They were linked to Sanyam Devmani Pandey, a 36-year-old resident of Badlapur East in Thane district.
Pandey was arrested by the Cyber Cell. Initial investigation showed that he had created the fake Facebook page to trick people into paying money for properties that did not exist. Police found that the accused had made 215 different transactions using different names to cheat the victim. Officials believe there can be more victims. The investigation is ongoing.
This case highlights the importance of being cautious while dealing with online real estate offers and the need to verify the authenticity of the agents and properties before making any payments. The Mumbai Cyber Cell advises citizens to report any suspicious activities immediately to prevent falling victim to such scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suspect a real estate scam?
If you suspect a real estate scam, immediately report it to the local police or the cyber cell. Gather all relevant documents and communication records to support your case.
How can I verify the authenticity of a real estate agent?
To verify the authenticity of a real estate agent, check their credentials, licenses, and reviews. You can also contact local real estate associations or regulatory bodies for verification.
What are common red flags in real estate scams?
Common red flags in real estate scams include unusually low prices, pressure to make quick decisions, and requests for upfront payments or personal information without proper documentation.
What steps can I take to protect myself from online scams?
To protect yourself from online scams, avoid sharing personal information, use secure payment methods, and be wary of unsolicited offers. Always verify the credibility of the seller and the property.
What should I do if I become a victim of a real estate scam?
If you become a victim of a real estate scam, report it to the police and the cyber cell immediately. Seek legal advice and document all interactions and transactions for evidence.
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