PG Online Booking Scams in Mumbai: Safety Tips

User-Author

Roshan Kumar

Traveller | Mumbai

October 2, 2025

PG Bookings & Verification

Paying Guest (PG) Fraud/Scams in Mumbai: Shocking Truths & How to Stay Safe

 

Introduction to PG Frauds in Mumbai

Mumbai, known as the city of dreams, attracts thousands of students and professionals every year. With high rents in prime areas, Paying Guest (PG) accommodations have become a popular choice for affordable housing. However, this booming demand has also opened doors for fraudsters and scamsters.

From fake property listings to deposit frauds, PG scams in Mumbai are growing at an alarming rate. If you’re new to the city, it’s easy to fall into these traps. This article sheds light on the different types of PG frauds in Mumbai, real-life examples, warning signs, prevention tips, and legal remedies.

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Hire a Buddy to verify your PG at any location in Mumbai before making any advance payment, for just ₹280.

A verified Buddy near by the PG will visit and shows you live videos of the PG, building, and streets to confirm its condition.

Common Types of PG Scams in Mumbai

Real-Life Examples of PG Fraud Cases

 

Student scams near Mumbai universities

Students moving to Mumbai for higher studies often become prime targets. For example, several reported scams around Andheri and Bandra, where fraudsters collected advance rent and disappeared.

 

Working professionals targeted

Job seekers, especially those relocating from other states, are tricked with “company tie-up PGs”. Fraudsters pretend to be agents linked to IT companies and collect deposits.

Common PG Scams with fake photos

Scammers often post enhanced, best-looking photos of poorly maintained PGs and demand advance payments as per PG on photos. Since many tenants can’t visit the location the same day, they pay advance to avoid losing the PG. But upon arrival, they find the PG in bad condition, and the scammers refuse refunds, knowing legal action would cost them more, and tenants end up getting scamed.

Fake listings on property websites

Scammers often upload attractive but fake photos PG and roos listings online. Once contacted, they ask for a booking fee. Since many customers are in another city and cannot instantly verify the property in person but don’t want to lose the best-looking PG, they end up paying for PGs and rooms that don’t even exist.

Advance deposit frauds

Some landlords ask for advance deposits (₹2,000–₹10,000) and then vanish without providing keys or accommodation.

Identity theft & misuse of documents

Unsuspecting tenants are often asked to submit Aadhar, PAN, or passport copies. These are misused for fraudulent activities.

Hidden charges & inflated rents

Many PGs advertise low rent, but once you move in, landlords add hidden charges for electricity, maintenance, and food, making it costlier than flats.

Expertise Tips

Dont Pay Advance Booking Fees

Don’t pay advance booking or visiting fees online unless you’ve confirmed the PG by physically verifying it in real time.

If you plan to book a PG 3–5 plus days in advance, even genuine owners may ask for payment. In such cases, ask a nearby friend or social media contact to verify the PG in person before paying advance.

 

Don’t Fall for Visiting Fees

Fraudsters often ask for visiting fees of ₹2,000, but genuine owners never do, they simply show you the PG.

Some fraudsters even claim they’ll make ID cards or other documents for entry. The honest truth: even in a ₹10 crore building, salespeople don’t ask for visiting fees

Let It Go

If you’re worried about losing a good PG to others by not paying in advance or visiting fees let it go and look for more options.

While searching online, shortlist multiple PGs. Keep two that agree to take advance payment only after a physical visit, and pay them promptly, don’t delay more than 2–4 days, as this may cause losses to genuine PG owners too.

Best Paid Solution to Verify PG & Flats

For just ₹280–300, you can book a PG verification service on the MyBuddy App. A verified Buddy usually a professional or student like your friend, nearest to your PG location will visit the property and connect with you via call or WhatsApp to verify the PG in coordination with you.

The Buddy will share live video via WhatsApp, photos, videos of nearby streets, provide feedback on the PG, and much more.

Critical Step: The existence of the PG and room is verified by the Buddy, but owner verification is sometimes not possible. It is advised that both the booking tenant and Buddy verify the owner. Tenants provide instructions to the Buddy, who verifies owner accordingly. By default, the Buddy considers the key holder of room and flat as the verified PG representative and records the PG opening on video, which is shared with the tenant. They may also check with nearby people or existing tenants to confirm the owner or representative. Since full owner verification is difficult without legal procedures, advance deposits should range from ₹1,000 to ₹4,000 to minimize risk. Using MyBuddy services is a far stronger option, as it also includes records of identified scammers, latest scam trends, and common tricks used by fraudsters. It is also advised to get a receipt for any amount paid online.

That said, most frauds can be easily identified if someone is physically present to assess them, making the booking safe. We wish you a happy, safe, and successful PG booking journey!

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Additional Steps to verify PG Owners

  • Check legal documents if possible

  • Get advance payment receipts

  • Verify if owner is opening doors with keys

  • Talk to existing tenants or nearby residents

  • Check owner nameplates at building entrance

  • Inquire with building or society security

Conclusion

 

When searching for a PG, you may come across many attractive deals, but some offers may be too good to be true, often listed by scammers and fraudsters. These fraudulent listings can lead to loss of money or time if not handled carefully. It is recommended to use multiple verification methods, such as checking legal documents, speaking with nearby tenants, confirming key holders, and using trusted verification services to eliminate fraudsters from your search journey. By taking these precautions, you can stay safe, make informed decisions, and ensure a smooth and secure PG booking experience.

 

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