Cheated in a Property Deal? Here’s How to File a Property Fraud Case in India

Property is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. But what happens when someone forges papers, sells disputed land, or takes your money and vanishes? In India, property fraud is rising, and it’s not just happening to the elderly or uninformed.

Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or tenant, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself and what to do if you've been cheated in a property deal.

At AMA Legal Solutions, we guide clients through legal action against fraudsters from filing police complaints to fighting cases in civil and criminal courts.

What Counts as Property Fraud in India?

Property fraud comes in many forms:

• Selling property with forged ownership documents

• Promising sale of a land that is already sold or under litigation

• Builders taking money without completing the project

• Fake power of attorney used to transfer property

• Renting out the same property to multiple tenants

• Hiding government dues or encroachments on the land

• Undisclosed litigation on the property

• Disputes among joint owners not disclosed to the buyer

The law treats such cases seriously, and victims have multiple legal remedies.

Warning Signs of Property Fraud

You may be at risk of being cheated if:

• The seller refuses to provide original documents

• The deal is priced suspiciously low compared to market rates

• The seller insists on cash transactions

• You’re asked to pay without a registered agreement

• The property title is under a GPA (General Power of Attorney) and not an actual sale deed

• There are sudden claims on the property from third parties

Always verify title documents, get legal due diligence done, and demand a registered sale deed.

What Should You Do Immediately If You’ve Been Cheated?

1. Collect All Documents:

Get together everything you have—sale agreements, receipts, payment proofs (bank transfers, cheques), builder brochures, emails, SMS, and WhatsApp chats.

2. File a Police Complaint:

File an FIR under Section 420 IPC for cheating and Section 406 IPC for breach of trust. Add Section 467, 468, and 471 IPC if forged documents are involved.

3. Send a Legal Notice:

Through a lawyer, send a formal notice to the other party demanding refund or registration of property, failing which legal action will be initiated.

4. Approach the Civil Court:

To seek remedies like specific performance (forcing completion of the deal), injunctions (to stop resale), and damages.

5. Go to Consumer Court (if applicable):

If it’s a builder-buyer issue, consumer courts are faster and effective under the Consumer Protection Act.

Which Laws Protect You Against Property Fraud?

1. Indian Penal Code (IPC): Sections 420, 406, 468, 471 cover cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and using fake documents.

2. Transfer of Property Act, 1882: Deals with lawful transfers and rights of buyers.

3. RERA Act: Protects homebuyers in builder-related fraud.

4. Consumer Protection Act: You can file consumer complaints for delays, false promises, or monetary losses.

5. Indian Contract Act: Governs terms of sale/purchase agreements.

6. Civil Procedure Code (CPC): For filing injunctions and civil suits.

How Long Do These Cases Take?

• FIR Registration: 1–7 days

• Consumer Court: 6–18 months

• Civil Suit: 1–3 years

• Criminal Trial: Can take time, but acts as strong pressure

Many fraudsters settle or return money once legal action starts getting serious. That’s why timely filing matters.

Case Study: How We Helped a Victim Recover Property & Money

Priya (Delhi NCR) paid 18 lakhs for a builder floor. The builder kept delaying handover and later tried to resell the property to someone else. We:

• Filed a criminal complaint and got an FIR registered

• Moved the consumer court and civil court simultaneously

• Blocked the sale by legal injunction

• Negotiated a full refund + 12% annual interest

• Assisted in recovering legal costs through court

Justice doesn’t come easy—but it does come when backed by strong legal support.

Why Choose AMA Legal Solutions?

• Dedicated real estate and fraud litigation team

• Transparent pricing and updates

• Assistance from start to finish—from filing FIRs to getting court orders

• Client-first approach

• Reputation in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR legal circuit

We don’t just help you file cases. We build a strategy to protect your future.

Steps to Avoid Property Fraud in the First Place

• Always verify title through legal professionals

• Insist on registration and not just agreement to sell

• Check encumbrance certificate (EC) from sub-registrar’s office

• Ask for NOC from society or builder

• Avoid cash payments

• Cross-check details online through portals like Dharani, IGRS, etc.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been cheated in a property transaction, don’t stay silent. Every day of delay helps the fraudster and weakens your case.

Let AMA Legal Solutions review your case, file the right complaints, and ensure you either recover your property or get compensated.

We’re here to ensure you don’t suffer alone.