How to avoid property scams in Afghanistan

Most people renting out or selling property are honest, but a few scams come up again and again. Nearly all of them depend on one thing: getting you to pay before you have checked. These rules keep your money safe.

Common scams

• The bargain that isn't there. A home is listed far below similar homes to attract calls. When you call, it has "just been taken", but another one is available if you pay first.
• Pay before you visit. You are asked to send money to reserve a home you have not seen, often because "many people are interested".
• The owner who is abroad. The "owner" says they live outside Afghanistan and will send the keys once you transfer the money.
• Someone who isn't the owner. A tenant, relative or caretaker rents out or sells a property that isn't theirs, sometimes with a copied or fake deed.
• One home, many tenants. The same home is rented out or given on gharaw to several people, each paying a deposit or a lump sum.
• Fake agents and fees. Someone claiming to be an agent asks for a fee up front and disappears.

Warning signs

• The price is much lower than similar homes. Compare it with the Kabul price report.
• You are pressed to decide, or to pay, today.
• The person can't or won't meet you at the property.
• You can't see the original ownership documents, or the names don't match the person's ID.
• You are asked to pay a third party, or in a way you can't trace.
• The photos look as if they come from somewhere else, or the details change when you ask questions.

How to stay safe

1. Visit first. See the property in person before you pay anything.
2. Meet the owner. Or their agent, with a written authorisation from the owner.
3. Check the documents. See the original ownership document and match the name with their tazkira. The property documents guide explains what to look for.
4. Put it in writing. Sign a written agreement in front of witnesses.
5. Pay in a way you can prove, and get receipts. Every payment should have a signed receipt showing the amount, the currency and the date.
6. Take your time. A genuine owner will wait while you check.

How Koor helps

• You contact owners and agencies directly. Koor never asks you to pay for a property through the site.
• Agencies marked as verified have had their business registration checked by the Koor team before approval.
• Every listing page has a Report this listing link that sends the details to the Koor team. If something seems wrong, report it and we will look into it.

If you think you have been scammed

Stop all payments, and keep every message, receipt and phone number. Report the listing on Koor and tell us through the contact page. If you have lost money, report it to the local police as well.