Updating records, Aadhaar-linked verification, and limited PoA key to protecting NRI assets

NRI Duped in ₹10.7 Crore Gurugram Land Scam: Legal Experts List Safeguards.                                                                                                                                   

A shocking ₹10.7 crore land fraud in Gurugram has exposed the vulnerability of non-resident Indians (NRIs) to property scams. New York-based NRI Gaurav Narula discovered that fraudsters used a fake gift deed to sell his inherited 810 sq. m. plot in Sushant Lok 1. The accused impersonated his “brother” and registered forged documents at the sub-registrar’s office. Experts say such frauds exploit absentee ownership, outdated records, and misuse of the Power of Attorney (PoA). To safeguard assets, NRIs are advised to regularly update property and municipal records, appoint a trusted caretaker, and use a narrowly defined Special PoA instead of a General PoA. Linking land records with Aadhaar, PAN, and active Indian contact details helps prevent impersonation, while joint ownership and cooperative housing societies add security. Legal experts also suggest financing property through banks, as hypothecation ensures transactions cannot occur without a No Objection Certificate (NOC), offering another protective layer.