Fake Flat Booking Ads Put West Bengal Property Buyers on Alert
Kolkata, September 2, 2026: Property buyers in West Bengal are facing a growing risk of fraud through fake advertisements for flats and advance-payment scams, with a large number of complaints being reported to government grievance channels.
The issue was highlighted during the launch of Consumer Rights Protection Week in Kolkata, where West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said complaints of people being cheated while purchasing properties were regularly reaching the government’s grievance system.
According to the Chief Minister, fraudsters are using fake property advertisements to attract prospective buyers and collect advance payments in the name of flat bookings. Such scams can leave buyers with significant financial losses and little clarity about the actual property or seller.
Property Buyers Need to Verify Before Paying
The warning is particularly important for homebuyers considering properties advertised online. Buyers should verify the developer, project details, ownership documents and applicable property approvals before transferring any booking amount or advance payment.
The government has announced a series of awareness programmes during Consumer Rights Protection Week, including street plays, public campaigns, information stalls and social media outreach to educate consumers about their rights.
Authorities will also conduct market inspections and take action against illegal practices. The government has said it will follow a zero-tolerance approach towards consumer fraud, including real estate-related cheating.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers
With property transactions involving substantial amounts of money, fake advertisements and advance-payment scams can pose a serious financial risk. The latest warning reinforces the need for buyers to carry out proper due diligence before committing to a property.
For homebuyers in West Bengal, checking the authenticity of a project and seller before making any payment could help avoid costly property fraud.