Buying property in Haryana—especially in rapidly growing areas like Gurugram, Faridabad, Sohna and Panipat—can be a fantastic investment. But as the real estate sector expands, cases of fraud have also become more frequent. Scammers take advantage of gaps in verification, fake documentation and buyers’ urgency. This blog breaks down the most common real estate frauds in Haryana and offers a clear, practical checklist to help you stay safe.
Common Fraud Schemes in Haryana Real Estate
1. Forged or Fake Sale Deeds
One of the most damaging scams is the use of forged sale deeds. Fraudsters either create fake ownership documents or impersonate the original owner—especially when the property is vacant or the owner lives overseas or in another state. If buyers do not verify documents with the sub-registrar office, they risk purchasing a property that legally belongs to someone else.
2. Misuse of Power of Attorney (PoA)
Haryana has seen several cases where fraudsters use fake or expired Power of Attorney documents to sell property. Sometimes, a genuine PoA holder may misuse the authority given to them. Since a PoA does not transfer ownership, relying solely on it without a registered sale deed is risky.
3. Double Mortgage or Hidden Loans
Many buyers unknowingly purchase properties that are already under a bank loan or mortgage. In some cases, sellers mortgage the same property to multiple lenders. This leads to disputes, legal notices and even loss of possession. The only way to avoid this is by checking for encumbrances through official channels.
4. Illegal Colonies and Unauthorized Layouts
Unauthorized plotting is one of the most common frauds in Haryana’s outskirts. Scammers sell plots in colonies that lack approval from the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) or local development authorities. Buyers face major issues later—no electricity, water, roads or even legal registration. In some cases, such colonies are demolished.
5. Tampered Land Records and Fake Mutations
Fraudsters sometimes alter mutation records or manipulate jamabandi/khasra details to show fake ownership. These scams often target agricultural land, including land near highways and expanding city borders.
How to Avoid Real Estate Frauds in Haryana: Essential Checklist
1. Verify Land Records
Always check ownership details on Haryana’s land record portals such as Jamabandi or Bhulekh. Match the seller’s name, khewat, khasra numbers and previous mutations with the documents provided.
2. Examine the Chain of Title
Ask for all sale deeds and title documents of the last 20–30 years, if available. Ensure the ownership flow is logical, continuous and matches government records. Any missing link is a red flag.
3. Check Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
An EC confirms whether the property has existing loans or legal claims. Always collect an EC from authorized government offices and verify its authenticity. Do not rely on photocopies provided by the seller.
4. Avoid Buying Solely Through Power of Attorney
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid PoA-based transactions. A registered sale deed at the sub-registrar office is the only document that grants legal ownership. If a PoA is involved, verify every detail carefully.
5. Confirm Approved Layouts and Project Registration
For plots, apartments or floors, check if the project is approved by DTCP or registered with Haryana RERA. Approvals ensure basic infrastructure and legal compliance.
6. Conduct a Physical Site Inspection
Visit the property to confirm boundaries, surroundings and access roads. Compare site conditions with the documents and ask neighbours for information about ownership or disputes.
7. Hire a Reputed Property Lawyer
A professional title search by a lawyer helps verify litigation history, encumbrances, family settlements, pending disputes and other critical details you might miss.
8. Register All Transactions Officially
Always complete your transaction through the sub-registrar office with proper stamp duty and registration fees. Ask for all receipts and copies of registered documents.
Quick Info Table
| Risk | What You Should Check | Who Verifies It |
|---|---|---|
| Forged sale deed | Original deed, chain of title | Sub-Registrar Office |
| Hidden mortgage | Encumbrance Certificate | Sub-Registrar / Bank |
| Fake PoA | Original PoA, identity of executor | Notary / Sub-Registrar |
| Illegal layout | Project approvals, RERA registration | DTCP / RERA Haryana |
| Fake mutation | Jamabandi / Bhulekh records | Revenue Department |
If You Suspect Fraud
File a complaint with the local police or the cyber cell if documents were forged.
Approach Haryana RERA if the fraud involves a builder or ongoing project.
Consult a civil lawyer for recovery, compensation or cancellation of fraudulent documents.
Conclusion:
Real estate frauds in Haryana are preventable when buyers follow a structured verification process. Don’t rush into deals, cross-check everything through official channels, insist on registration, and seek professional legal help when needed. Following these steps will significantly reduce your risk and protect your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I know if an online property listing is genuine?
Treat online listings as leads, not proof. Always verify ownership, visit the site, and check documents through official channels.
2. Is buying a PoA property safe in Haryana?
It’s generally risky. A PoA does not transfer ownership; only a registered sale deed does. Always prefer a proper sale deed.
3. How can I check if a project is RERA-registered?
Search the project name and developer details on the official RERA Haryana portal. Only buy in registered projects.
4. What is the safest payment method when buying property?
Use bank transfers, avoid cash, and ensure payments are made only after verification and during official documentation.