Scam guide
Rental / Advance Scam in Pakistan
Fake property, rent advance or booking amount. Below are community-submitted reports about phone numbers, websites and accounts linked to this type of scam. Community reports are one signal, not a verdict — always verify independently.
Rental scams use fake property listings and demand an advance or booking payment for a house or flat that is not actually available.
0 approved reports Report a rental / advance scam
How this scam typically works
- Photos from real listings are copied into fake ads at attractive prices.
- The "owner" says they are abroad or busy and cannot show the property in person.
- They ask for a booking amount, token money or full advance via transfer.
- After payment they block you or keep asking for more money.
Red flags
- Rent clearly below the market rate.
- No visit allowed before payment.
- Owner is "out of the country" and only available on WhatsApp.
- Payment demanded to a personal account, not a documented agreement.
- Pressure to pay today because "someone else is interested".
Latest community reports
No approved reports for this category yet.
What to do if targeted
- Always visit the property and meet the owner or a verified agent.
- Ask for ownership documents and match the CNIC/name on the documents.
- Never pay a booking amount before seeing the property and signing a written agreement.
- Take screenshots of the listing and payment details before reporting.
Where to report
- FIA NR3C cybercrime portal.
- The platform where the fake listing was posted.
- Local police if you paid a large amount.
Frequently asked questions
Is a small token payment normal for booking a house?
Token money is common, but only after visiting the property, verifying ownership and signing a written agreement — never before.
The agent says I cannot visit because the tenant is inside. Should I pay?
No. That is a common excuse in rental scams. Insist on a visit or walk away.