Property Fraud
Resolving builder disputes (RERA), illegal possession, and verifying titles.
Your Fundamental Legal Rights
• RERA Protections
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, buyers have the right to claim a refund with interest if the builder fails to give possession on time.
• Protection Against Illegal Dispossession
Under the Specific Relief Act, a person illegally dispossessed of their property can file a suit to recover possession, even against the true owner, if evicted without due process of law.
✅ What to Do (Immediate Actions)
- Conduct a thorough title search and obtain an Encumbrance Certificate before buying property.
- Ensure the project is registered with the state RERA authority.
- File a police complaint for cheating/forgery if someone sells property using fake documents.
⛔ What NOT to Do
- Do not pay cash for real estate transactions without legal, documented agreements.
- Do not rely solely on the builder’s verbal promises regarding amenities or delivery dates.
Whom to Report & The Process
Authority: RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority)
Process: For builder disputes (delays, fake promises, missing amenities), file a complaint on your specific State's RERA website. They have the power to order refunds with interest.
Contact / Portal: Search your state's RERA portal (e.g., MahaRERA for Maharashtra)
Authority: Economic Offences Wing (EOW)
Process: For large-scale property fraud, forged documents, or builder scams, file an FIR with the local police, which may be escalated to the EOW of your city police.
Key Legal Acts & References
Practical Guides
Advertisement