Reported Bangalore rental scam uses fake listings, possibly AI-generated images, and advance payment demands

A Reddit user shared their experience of being scammed while searching for a rental property in Bangalore. The scam involves attractive rental listings posted on platforms such as OLX, Facebook Marketplace, NoBroker, and Magicbricks, using stolen, recycled, or "possibly AI-generated images." These listings feature unusually affordable rent, claims of being fully furnished, and promises of "no brokerage" or "direct owner" contact to entice potential renters.

When a property visit is requested, scammers reportedly demand a "visiting fee" (e.g., ₹10,000) to obtain a visitor card or register details with building management, claiming it's a refundable formality. If the renter is not in Bangalore, a "holding amount" (e.g., ₹1,000) is requested to secure the property, with promises of a refund if the arrangement falls through. The Reddit user paid ₹1,000 as a holding amount and was never refunded. Scammers allegedly switch phone numbers, names, and bank accounts, and eventually vanish after receiving payments.

The user identified several phone numbers and payment details associated with their interactions, including UPI IDs and bank accounts under names like Pawan Dubey (Rahul Enterprises), Sumang Kumar Mishra, Badal Kumar, Shaik Arifulla, and Prem Kumar. The user advises others to reverse-search property photos, never pay for property visits or holding deposits before verification, and verify the owner and property independently.