Navigating Bengaluru‘s rental housing market can be a daunting experience, especially with scammers preying on the desperation of house hunters. Ramnath Shenoy, Senior Director of Product at SpotDraft, recently shared his experience with a rental scam, offering valuable lessons for those seeking accommodation in the city.

Shenoy, with over nine years of house-hunting experience in Bengaluru, detailed his encounter with a fraudster posing as a property owner. He recounted how his sharp instincts helped him avoid falling victim to a scam while searching for an apartment.

The Suspicious Listing

Shenoy began his search on 99acres, filtering for properties listed directly by owners. A promising 3BHK apartment at Prestige Pinewood, Koramangala, caught his attention. Priced at ₹30,000 per month with a two-month deposit, it seemed like a steal. When he reached out to the “owner,” who appeared professional and spoke fluent English, he was told that the owner had relocated to Mangalore and would only be available to show the apartment on the weekend. However, the owner requested a ₹5,000 token amount to confirm Shenoy’s seriousness.

Spotting the Red Flags

Despite initial confidence in the deal, Shenoy’s suspicions grew when the owner’s responses to local area recommendations seemed fabricated. Additionally, the odd UPI ID raised further doubts. When the owner aggressively pushed for the payment, Shenoy realized he was dealing with a scammer.

Shenoy’s caution prevented him from falling into the scam. He shared his experience to warn others, highlighting that his friend had recently lost ₹2,000 to a similar scam under the guise of “visiting charges.”

A Lesson for All

Shenoy urged renters to never transfer money without first physically visiting the property and meeting the owner. His experience prompted online platforms like 99acres and Housing.com to implement warnings against remote payments, further helping raise awareness.

For house hunters, Shenoy’s advice is clear: always verify details, meet the owner in person, and be cautious with advance payments. A little vigilance can go a long way in ensuring a safe rental process.

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