HomiQ Safety Center & Fraud Prevention
Your safety is our highest priority. Follow these fundamental security guidelines to protect yourself from rental scams, fake landlord impersonators, and fraudulent payment traps.
8 Essential Rules for Safe Renting & Buying
Never compromise on these rules when searching for flats, rooms, or commercial spaces.
1. Never Pay Before Physical Visit
Never transfer token money, booking amounts, or visit fees before meeting the landlord in person and stepping inside the flat.
2. Avoid Suspicious QR Code Scams
Beware of fraudsters claiming to send money via UPI QR codes that actually debit your account. Entering your UPI PIN always sends money.
3. Visit in Daylight & Bring a Friend
Always schedule property viewings during daylight hours. If possible, bring a friend, family member, or colleague along for safety.
4. Verify Documents & Utility Bills
Ask to see a recent electricity bill, maintenance receipt, or property tax challan with the landlord's name before handing over security deposits.
5. Beware of "Remote Landlord" Traps
Scammers often claim to be "army officers transferred to a remote base" or "NRIs in London" who promise to courier keys upon paying a deposit.
6. Never Share OTPs or Passwords
HomiQ representatives will never ask for your one-time passwords (OTPs), bank passwords, or debit card CVV numbers under any circumstances.
7. Sign a Formal Rent Agreement
Always execute an 11-month registered or notarized rent agreement clearly outlining the security deposit refund timeline and maintenance terms.
8. Report Suspicious Listings
If a user demands offline broker commission, claims prices lower than market realities, or asks for strange advance fees, report the listing immediately.
Common Real Estate Scams to Watch Out For
warning The "Gate Pass / Key Deposit" Scam
The fraudster tells you that society security requires a ₹2,000 "gate pass registration fee" before showing the flat, promising it will be refunded immediately. Legitimate societies never charge prospective tenants a gate pass fee.
warning The "Urgent Army Transfer" Scam
A scammer poses as an Indian Army officer posted to a remote border base, offering a fully-furnished luxury flat in Noida at half the market rent. They send forged military ID cards to gain your trust and ask for advance token money.
warning The "Phantom Broker" Trap
An unauthorized broker copies photos of a direct owner listing, republishes it with their phone number, and demands a 1-month commission upon visit. Always verify that you are connecting with a Verified Owner on HomiQ.
Encountered Financial Fraud or Identity Theft?
If you have been targeted by an online financial scam, immediately report it to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and inform the HomiQ Trust & Safety desk.