Stay Safe

Most people on Dalalmaf are genuine. A few simple habits keep you safe from the few who aren't.

Never pay before you verify

Don't pay a token amount, deposit, booking fee or "visit charge" before you have visited the property in person and checked its documents. Be careful of anyone who pushes you to pay quickly.

Check before you commit

Before paying any money or signing any document, verify:

• the ownership and title of the property;
• approvals and permissions, including RERA registration where it applies;
• any loans, encumbrances, dues or disputes;
• all property documents, ideally with the help of a lawyer;
• the price, the property's condition and its availability;
• the identity of the owner or seller, using a government ID.

Common scams

• "I'm abroad, send the deposit and I'll courier the keys": never pay for a property you can't visit.
• A price far below the market: a very cheap listing is often bait.
• Advance fees: anyone asking for a "registration fee", "visit fee" or "gate pass fee" before a visit.
• Fake documents or a fake owner: check documents at the sub-registrar's office, and make sure the person you meet is the owner named on them.
• Requests for OTPs or bank details: Dalalmaf staff will never ask for your OTP, password or bank details. Never share them with anyone.
• Pressure to leave Dalalmaf: be careful if someone insists on payment links, QR codes or apps you don't know.

Meeting safely

• Visit with a friend or family member, in daylight where possible.
• Tell someone where you're going.
• Pay only through traceable methods, such as bank transfer or cheque, and always get a receipt.

Report a suspicious listing

If something doesn't feel right, use "Report a problem with this listing" on the listing page. Our team checks every report. If you have lost money, also report it to the police or the national cyber crime helpline (1930, or https://cybercrime.gov.in).