Delhi house hunt: ₹2,500 visitor card demand sparks internet reaction

PTC News Desk: In an unusual turn of events, a man searching for a residence in Delhi faced an unconventional demand from a broker who insisted on a payment of ₹2,500 for a 'visiting card' to explore potential houses within a society. The incident gained attention when the individual, using the handle @zenpraxis, shared a screenshot of the conversation on Reddit, questioning its legitimacy and labeling it as a potential scam.

According to the provided information, the property under consideration is a fully furnished one-bedroom-hall-kitchen in Sarita Vihar, with a monthly rent of ₹15,000. The broker, however, required the prospective tenant to obtain a 'visiting card' for the society, with a visiting charge of ₹2,500. Additionally, the individual was asked to provide personal details such as Aadhar card number, WhatsApp number, photograph, and phone number to facilitate the card issuance.

The broker justified the visiting fee, stating, "The visiting fee is ₹2,500. If you like the flat, then your ₹2,500 will be deducted from your rent amount. If you do not like the flat, your ₹2,500 will be returned to you."

The Reddit post garnered a 96% upvote rate, with users expressing skepticism and denouncing the practice as a scam. Some users highlighted the absurdity of requiring a visiting card for society visits and drew comparisons to common scams encountered in other cities.

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One Reddit user shared their experience, stating, "I'm looking for a place to stay, and this is the second time something like this is happening. I declined the first time." Seeking advice and tips for finding accommodation, the user engaged with the community to navigate the challenges of house hunting in the city.

Reddit users collectively cautioned against such practices, emphasizing that any demand for payment upfront, especially with promises of reimbursement, is likely a scam. The consensus was clear: individuals should exercise caution, verify brokers, and avoid falling victim to dubious demands while seeking accommodation in the competitive Delhi housing market.

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(Inputs from agencies)