Introduction
Buying property can be a complicated process, but one of the biggest concerns for buyers is the possibility of encountering forged or fake property documents. With the rise of sophisticated fraud, it’s essential to know how to verify the authenticity of property documents before proceeding with a transaction. In this guide, we outline seven key steps to help you identify whether your property document is real or fake.
1. Forgery with Rubber Stamps and Seal Papers
Fake property documents often involve forged signatures, photos, or even altered paperwork. Before 1995, the registration process was more relaxed, and identification methods such as ID cards, photos, or signatures weren’t always mandatory. This loophole made it easier to create fake documents, especially before 1990 when only the seller’s signature was required on a deed—without the buyer’s. When dealing with older documents, fraudsters often make mistakes while recreating them. Check the historical context to ensure the document matches the regulations of its time.
2. Examine the Registration Seal
One of the most obvious signs of a fake property document is a poorly replicated registration seal. Most legitimate property deeds will have a seal from the registration department, created using a metal stamp. However, fraudsters often use rubber stamps to replicate these seals since creating a metal one is more difficult. Examine the seal carefully—if it appears to be a rubber stamp, it could be a sign that the document is fake.
3. Know the History of Registration Offices
Fraudsters sometimes make errors related to which sub-registrar office (SRO) handled the property registration. Each property area is managed by a specific SRO, and these offices can change over time. For example, properties in the Kottivakkam area of Chennai were registered at the Adyar SRO from 1981 to 1986, but after 1996, registration moved to the Neelankarai SRO. If a document shows it was registered at the wrong SRO for the time period in question, it’s likely a forgery. Knowing the historical timeline of registration offices can help you spot errors in fake documents.
4. Check for Mismatched Seals
Another common mistake fraudsters make is using the wrong titles or seals. Over time, registration offices can change from a “sub-registrar” to a “district sub-registrar,” and these changes are reflected on official documents. If a fake document uses an outdated title, such as listing “sub-registrar” instead of “district sub-registrar,” it’s a red flag that the document might be forged. Ensuring that the correct title is used for the time of registration is a crucial step in verifying document authenticity.
5. Beware of “Copy of Document” Notations
Some property deeds may have notations like “Copy of Document,” indicating that the original document was lost and a duplicate was obtained from the registration office. While this can be legitimate, it’s essential to verify the authenticity of the document, as fraudsters often misuse duplicate documents to create fake deeds. Always cross-check the property’s records with the registration office to ensure no other duplicate documents exist.
6. Land Survey Discrepancies
In some cases, a single property can have overlapping survey numbers, leading to confusion or disputes later on. For instance, a father might register a plot under one survey number, and later his son might register another plot with an overlapping survey number in the same area. This can result in two legitimate documents referring to the same land, commonly referred to as “double documents.” In high-demand areas like Velachery, Chennai, such situations are not uncommon. Verifying land survey details is essential to avoid purchasing disputed properties.
7. Identity Substitution
One of the most common fraud tactics involves replacing the real seller with someone who looks similar. Fraudsters may find a person who closely resembles the true seller to forge the signature on the property deed. For instance, if a seller named Raja is supposed to sign the document, a fraudster may use Raja’s brother or a similar-looking person to sign on his behalf. In some cases, even within families, a sister may pose as her elder sister to complete a fraudulent transaction. To protect yourself, always verify the seller’s identity by checking government-issued ID cards like Aadhaar. However, be aware that even Aadhaar IDs can be forged, so extra caution is necessary.
Conclusion
The risk of fake property documents is real, and buyers need to be extra vigilant when purchasing property. By examining the registration seal, checking for mismatched details, verifying the history of registration offices, and confirming the seller’s identity, you can protect yourself from fraud. Always cross-check details with the registration office and seek legal assistance if you suspect any irregularities. Taking these steps will help ensure that your property documents are genuine and protect you from future legal complications.
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