Fake property listings: Cops urge citizens not to fall for deals that seem too good to be true
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra cyber police have urged citizens to stay cautious about fake property listings on popular online platforms and not get carried away by “beautiful images” or “extremely low rent”.
According to an advisory by the cyber police, scammers impersonate landlords or agents and demand advance payments via UPI or bank transfers.
Cybercriminals use platforms like OLX, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp to dupe people, it said on Tuesday.
After initial talks with a prospective buyer or tenant, fraudsters bring up pretexts like “no physical visit allowed because the owner is abroad” or demand an advance to “block” the deal, it said.
While “extremely low rent” or “beautiful property images” are being used to lure victims, cybercriminals communicate only via WhatsApp or Telegram, use fake IDs and send rental agreements only digitally, an official said.
The cyber police have appealed to the public not to pay any advance without physically verifying a property. It urged citizens to make video calls to the agent or owner or meet them personally, besides using verified rental platforms with escrow or secure payment options.
Do not fall for deals that seem too good to be true, it said.
Officials have asked people to contact the cybercrime helpline 1930 if they find anything suspicious about the callers or persons approaching them about rental issues.
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Massive fire destroys 10 fishing boats in Kerala's Kollam
Kollam (Kerala) (PTI): Around 10 fishing boats, anchored in Ashtamudi Lake here, were gutted as a massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, police said.
The incident happened in the Kureepuzha area under the Anchalumood police station limit.
According to police, the blaze was first spotted past midnight, and the boats anchored in a row caught fire.
Local people and fire force personnel pressed into action to check the further spread.
"As per the preliminary assessment, around 10 boats were destroyed completely. The exact cause is yet to be identified, but a gas cylinder blast is suspected," a police officer said.
No casualty has been reported so far, police added.
