Pune: After Job Scam, Property Tax Rebate Fraud Emerges in Pune Municipal Corporation
Pune, 20th August 2025: Following reports earlier this year of citizens being duped with false promises of permanent jobs in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), a new form of fraud has now come to light. Fraudsters are allegedly luring residents with offers of concessions and waivers in property tax dues, only to extort money from them.
According to officials, several complaints have been received claiming that intermediaries and self-styled agents are approaching citizens with assurances of reducing property tax bills, clearing arrears, or offering special rebates in exchange for cash payments. The PMC has clarified that no such authority has been granted to any individual or agent.
“Some people are misleading citizens by claiming they can reduce property taxes or waive arrears, and in return, they demand money. The Municipal Corporation has not granted any such rights to middlemen. Citizens should not fall prey to these fraudulent offers,” said Avinash Sapkal, Deputy Commissioner, Property Tax Department, PMC.
The civic administration has also warned that if anyone engages in financial transactions with such fraudsters, PMC will not be held responsible for the loss.
PMC has appealed to citizens to pay their property tax only through authorized channels, such as:
PMC Citizen Facilitation Centers
Bank of Maharashtra
ICICI Bank
Cosmos Bank
Janata Sahakari Bank
PMC’s official online payment system
Payments can be made via cash, cheque, demand draft, or online transactions, but only against an official receipt issued by the Corporation.
Officials urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid dealing with unauthorized agents, and report any suspicious attempts to the administration immediately.
