Rental Deposit Scams via bKash
How fraudulent landlords in Dhaka and other Bangladeshi cities collect bKash security deposits for apartments they do not own.
Part of: Rental Deposit Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Bangladesh's rapid urban migration — particularly to Dhaka — has created a high-pressure rental market where prospective tenants sometimes feel compelled to secure a flat before a physical visit is possible. Fraudsters exploit this pressure by listing attractive flats at competitive prices and requesting a bKash security deposit to reserve the unit.
Because bKash is used for genuine rental deposits between acquaintances in Bangladesh, the request does not automatically signal fraud. The critical distinguishing factor is whether the landlord can verify ownership and arrange an in-person inspection before any payment.
How this scam works on bKash
A listing appears on Bikroy.com, Facebook Marketplace, or a local housing group on Facebook with attractive photos and a competitive price. The landlord — often claiming to be living outside Dhaka for work — says the flat is in high demand and asks for a bKash deposit to hold it pending an in-person visit next week. An advance agreement — a generic WhatsApp-shared document — is provided to add legitimacy.
Once the bKash transfer is confirmed, the landlord either stops responding or provides escalating delays until the victim visits the address and discovers the real occupant has no knowledge of any rental arrangement.
Common red flags
- Landlord requests bKash deposit before any in-person viewing
- Landlord is unavailable to meet in person and communicates only via Messenger
- Flat photos appear on reverse image search under a different address
- Price is competitive but the landlord cannot provide a Land Registration certificate
- Advance agreement sent via WhatsApp is generic and lacks specific property legal description
- Urgency: another tenant is ready to take the flat unless bKash is sent today
How to protect yourself
- Never bKash a deposit before viewing the property in person
- Ask the landlord to show the land registration document (khatian) and verify their ownership
- Conduct the in-person visit before any financial transfer, no matter how urgent the landlord claims the situation is
- Use a licensed property agent who can independently verify the landlord's ownership
- If a deposit is unavoidable, limit the amount to a token sum until full verification is complete
How to report it
- Call bKash on 16247 immediately to report the recipient number with your transaction reference
- File a report with the Bangladesh Police Cyber Crime Unit
- Report the listing to Bikroy.com or Facebook Marketplace with evidence of the fraudulent interaction
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify a Bangladeshi landlord's property ownership?
Ask to see the khatian (land registration record) and the mutation certificate (namjari) confirming the current owner. You can independently verify these at the sub-registrar's office for the relevant district. The name on these documents must match the person requesting the bKash deposit. Any reluctance to provide official documents is a strong red flag.