Safety guide

Most people on RealRoof are genuine. A few are not. Our team checks every ad before it goes live, but we cannot visit every property or check every document. These simple habits keep you and your money safe.

RealRoof will never ask for

• Your OTP (one-time code), password or PIN, by phone, SMS, WhatsApp or email.
• A payment by phone, or a payment to a personal account or UPI ID.
• Remote access to your phone or computer, or that you install any app.

You pay RealRoof only on realroof.com, through the Razorpay payment page. If someone claims to be from RealRoof and asks for any of the above, it is a scam. Hang up and tell us.

Buying a property

• Visit the property yourself before you pay anything. Do not decide from photos alone.
• Ask to see the original documents and check them with a lawyer:
  • the sale deed, and the earlier link documents that show how the seller got the property;
  • an encumbrance certificate (EC) for recent years, to see loans or claims on it;
  • latest property tax receipts and, for land, the revenue records;
  • the approved layout or building plan from the local authority;
  • for a new project, its RERA registration, which you can look up on the state RERA website.
• Make sure the person selling is the owner, or holds a valid, registered power of attorney.
• Never pay token or advance money before you have seen the property and checked the papers.
• Pay by bank transfer or cheque in the owner's name, and get a signed receipt. Avoid cash.
• Be careful if the price is far below the area's rate, or if you are rushed to decide.

Renting a home or PG

• See the room or house in person before you pay a deposit or rent.
• Check that the person renting it out is the owner or has the owner's permission.
• Get a written rental agreement that states the rent, deposit, notice period and what is included.
• Pay the deposit only after you get the keys or sign the agreement, and keep the receipt.

Booking a function hall or event service

• Visit the hall, or meet the caterer, decorator or photographer, before you book.
• Get a written quote that lists what is included, the price and taxes.
• Make sure the date and time are confirmed in writing.
• Ask for the cancellation and refund terms in writing before you pay an advance.
• Pay by UPI, card or bank transfer so the payment can be traced. Keep every receipt.

Common scams

• Advance payment: the "owner" is out of town and asks for a token amount to hold the property or send the keys. Do not pay for anything you have not seen.
• The officer on transfer: someone says they are in the army, police or a government job and have been transferred, so they cannot show the house. They ask for money first. This is almost always fake.
• QR code to "receive" money: a buyer sends a QR code or payment link and says you will receive money by scanning it. Scanning a QR code or entering your UPI PIN only ever sends money. You never need a PIN to receive money.
• OTP request: someone asks you to read out a code sent to your phone to "verify" you or your ad. Never share an OTP with anyone.
• Fake documents or fake agents: papers that cannot be checked, or an agent with no registration. Check the agent's RERA registration on the state RERA website.
• Overpayment: someone pays you more than agreed and asks you to return the extra. Wait until the money has truly reached your bank.

Meeting people

• Take a friend or family member with you when you visit a property or meet someone.
• Meet during the day, and tell someone where you are going.
• For a first meeting, choose a public place if you can.
• Trust your instinct. If something feels wrong, leave.

Tips for advertisers

• Do not share your OTP, Aadhaar or bank details with callers.
• Do not scan QR codes or open payment links sent by a "buyer".
• Check that a buyer's payment has reached your bank before you hand over keys or documents.
• Do not leave visitors alone in your home. Keep valuables and papers out of sight.
• Ask tenants for ID and do a police verification where your city requires it.

Report a problem

Every ad on RealRoof has a Report this ad button. Use it if an ad looks fake, the advertiser asks for money in advance, or anything feels wrong. Our team reviews every report and takes action, including removing the ad and the account. You can also write to us or our grievance officer; see our terms of use.

If you have lost money, report it at once on the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in, and tell your bank. The sooner you report, the better the chance of stopping the payment.

RealRoof, Chinnamvaripalem, Venkataramapuram, Andhra Pradesh 534324. Email support@realroof.com.