Fake Government-Looking Websites Target Citizens Seeking Land and Property Documents
Pune, 11th August 2026: Citizens are increasingly being targeted by websites that resemble official government portals and offer land and property documents, including 7/12 extracts, mutation records, land maps and Index-II documents, for a fee.
The Land Records Department and the Registration and Stamps Department have made several property-related services available online. Citizens can access land records, old property documents and other records through authorised government websites. However, some private operators are reportedly creating websites with names and designs similar to government portals to attract people searching for these documents.
Such websites are being promoted through Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, with advertisements claiming to provide old 7/12 extracts, Index-II documents and other property records quickly and without requiring citizens to visit government offices.
Many citizens may find it difficult to distinguish between an official government portal and a privately operated website. Some operators are also reportedly creating promotional reels outside government offices, prominently displaying the names and logos of government departments or offices to make their services appear authentic.
Citizens using these websites are often asked to register and pay a fee for the requested documents. While some users reportedly receive documents after making payments, there are also complaints from citizens who paid the fees but did not receive the documents or services promised.
The issue is particularly significant because land and property documents are commonly used for property transactions, bank loans, court proceedings and inheritance-related matters. Incorrect, incomplete or fabricated documents obtained from unauthorised sources could potentially lead to financial losses and legal complications for property owners.
The growing number of such websites has also raised concerns about monitoring and enforcement by the Land Records Department and the Registration and Stamps Department.
Citizens are advised to verify the authenticity of any website before making payments and to obtain land and property-related documents only through authorised government portals or offices. They should also avoid sharing personal or property-related information with unauthorised websites.
