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The Nigerian real estate market is booming, but unfortunately, so is the rate of property scams. Every day, unsuspecting house-hunters and investors fall victim to fake property listings, from rental apartments in Lagos to land sales in Abuja. These scams often appear convincing, especially when shared on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp groups, or even on popular property listing websites.
If you’re actively searching for a house to rent, buy, or lease, one of the smartest things you can do is learn how to spot the difference between a legit listing and a fraudulent one. This guide will walk you through practical tips to protect yourself from being scammed while searching for property in Nigeria.
At Amapha, our mission is not just to connect you with the best real estate deals; we also care about your safety. That’s why this article goes beyond our platform to educate you on how to verify listings, no matter where you find them.
Also Check: What Makes Amapha Different from Other Property Listing Sites
Why Fake Property Listings Are Common in Nigeria
Property fraud has become a serious concern in Nigeria, and sadly, many people don’t realize they’ve been scammed until it’s too late. The combination of high demand for housing, limited legal enforcement, and the rise of online platforms has made it easier for scammers to thrive.
Here are a few key reasons why fake property listings are so common:
1. Desperation and Urgency Among Renters and Buyers
Many people are in urgent need of housing, especially in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. Scammers take advantage of this urgency by offering “too-good-to-be-true” deals and pressuring victims to act fast.
2. Easy Access to Online Platforms
With social media, free classifieds, and property listing websites, anyone can post a property ad — including scammers. Some use fake names and stolen images to create convincing listings that don’t actually exist.
3. Lack of Proper Regulation
While bodies like the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) exist, many property agents still operate without licenses. The real estate space is largely informal, making it easy for fraudsters to hide among genuine agents.
4. Use of Stolen or Recycled Property Images
Scammers often copy pictures from genuine listings and use them to deceive new victims. Most Nigerians don’t know how to verify images, so they believe what they see and fall into the trap.
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Red Flags That a Property Listing Might Be Fake
Scammers have gotten smarter, but so can you. If you’re searching for a property, whether on social media, classifieds, or even on property sites, here are major warning signs that a listing may be fake or suspicious:
1. The Deal Sounds Too Good to Be True
If a property is priced way below market value, especially in high-demand areas, be cautious. Scammers often use cheap prices to lure desperate buyers or tenants.
Example: A 3-bedroom flat in Lekki advertised for ₦250,000 annually — that’s a red flag.
2. No Physical Inspection Allowed
Legit agents or landlords will always allow you to inspect the property before making any payment. If the agent gives excuses like “I’m not around,” or says inspection isn’t possible until payment is made, walk away.
3. The Agent Avoids Verifying Their Identity
When the agent can’t provide a valid ID, company name, or evidence of being registered with a regulatory body like ESVARBON, it’s a bad sign. Many fake agents operate under fake names and unreachable phone numbers.
4. Pressure to Pay Quickly
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming “someone else is ready to pay” or that “the property will be gone by tomorrow.” This tactic is meant to rush you into making payments without proper checks.
5. Vague or Incomplete Property Descriptions
If the listing doesn’t clearly state the location, size, condition, features, or amenities, it may be fake. Scammers often keep things vague to avoid exposing their lies.
6. Poor or Stolen Photos
Some listings use stock photos or images stolen from other websites. If the pictures look overly edited, blurry, or inconsistent, do a reverse image search on Google to check if they’ve been used elsewhere.
These red flags can help you avoid common traps, but knowing what to look for isn’t enough; you also need to know how to verify a listing properly. Let’s dive into that next.
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How to Verify If a Property Listing Is Legit
Spotting red flags is one thing — but actively verifying a listing before making any financial commitment is what truly protects you. Whether you’re checking a property on Facebook, WhatsApp, or a real estate website, here’s how to confirm if it’s genuine:
1. Insist on Physical Inspection Before Any Payment
Always arrange a physical inspection of the property. Never pay for inspection, form, or holding fees without first seeing the property in person. If you’re far away, consider sending someone you trust or using a licensed agent.
2. Ask for Agent Verification
Request the agent’s ID card, company name, and registration details. If they claim to be a professional, check if they’re registered with ESVARBON or affiliated with a known real estate agency. Genuine agents are usually transparent and cooperative.
3. Use Trusted Property Platforms
Scam listings are more common on free platforms like Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp groups. To reduce risk, use reputable websites like Amapha that have clear policies, verified agents, and listing checks in place.
4. Do a Reverse Image Search of the Property Photos
Right-click on the listing photos and select “Search image with Google” or upload the image to images.google.com. If the photo appears on multiple unrelated listings or websites, it’s likely stolen — and the listing might be fake.
5. Confirm the Property’s Location on Google Maps
Scammers often list fake or non-existent locations. Ask for the exact address or coordinates, then check it on Google Maps or Street View. If the location doesn’t match the description, that’s a major red flag.
6. Speak With Occupants or Neighbours (If Possible)
If it’s a rental or developed property, try to speak with the caretaker, neighbors, or current occupants. They can tell you whether the property is truly vacant, who owns it, or if they’ve seen other people being scammed.
By applying these simple checks, you drastically reduce the chances of falling victim to real estate fraud. But verifying the property is only part of it; you also need to be cautious when dealing with agents and handling payments.
Next, let’s look at…
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How to Stay Safe When Contacting Agents Online
Even if a property looks genuine, the way you communicate and transact with an agent can either protect you or expose you to risk. Here’s how to stay safe during the process:
1. Avoid Making Payments Before Meeting in Person
No matter how urgent the deal sounds, never send money to an agent you haven’t met in person. Scammers often disappear right after receiving payment. Meet first, verify details, and inspect the property before paying anything.
2. Meet in Public or Safe Locations
When meeting with an agent for the first time, choose a public place or go with a friend. Avoid isolated or unfamiliar areas. If you’re inspecting a property, tell someone close to you where you’re going.
3. Use Escrow or Trusted Payment Channels
For larger transactions like land or house purchases, consider using an escrow service or paying through a real estate firm that can hold funds until all verification is complete. Avoid sending money via personal bank transfers or mobile wallets to random individuals.
4. Get Every Agreement in Writing
Whether it’s an inspection fee, initial deposit, or full payment, demand a written agreement or receipt. This protects you legally and discourages fraud. If the agent refuses, don’t proceed.
5. Work With a Lawyer or Trusted Real Estate Professional
Engage a real estate lawyer or someone experienced to help you review documents like title deeds, survey plans, or tenancy agreements. Their role is to help you spot forged documents or illegal deals before it’s too late.
6. Trust Your Instincts
If anything feels off, whether it’s the way the agent speaks, the urgency, or how they avoid your questions, pause and investigate further. Your gut feeling can often detect danger before logic does.
Now that we’ve covered personal safety and agent interactions, let’s bring it home by showing why it’s safer to use verified platforms like Amapha.
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Why Using Verified Platforms Like Amapha Matters
While property scams are widespread in Nigeria, one of the smartest ways to protect yourself is by using trusted, verified platforms — like Amapha. Unlike random listings on social media or unregulated classifieds, platforms like ours are built with security, transparency, and user protection in mind.
Here’s why it makes a big difference:
1. Verified Agents and Listings
At Amapha, we ensure that agents go through a verification process before they can post listings. This reduces the chances of fraud and ensures you’re dealing with real professionals — not anonymous scammers.
2. Transparent Property Information
We always do our best to ensure that each listing on our platform comes with clear property details, accurate descriptions, location tags, and high-quality images. This transparency allows you to do your own preliminary verification before even contacting the agent.
3. Inspection Scheduling Made Easy
We encourage face-to-face inspections and provide a structured way to book viewings with agents. No unnecessary middlemen, no vague arrangements — just a direct path to seeing the property for yourself.
4. Report Suspicious Listings
If something feels off about a listing or agent, you can report it directly on our platform. Our team investigates every report thoroughly and takes down listings that violate our terms.
5. A Community of Safe, Informed Users
We’re building a community of renters, buyers, and investors who are informed and security-conscious. By using Amapha, you’re not only safer, you’re also part of a movement to clean up Nigeria’s property space.
No listing is ever 100% scam-proof, but platforms like Amapha significantly reduce your chances of getting defrauded, especially when combined with the tips in this guide.
Also Check: Top 20 Best Real Estate Companies in Abuja
What to Do If You Suspect a Fake Property Listing
If something feels suspicious about a property listing, whether on social media, a website, or through a contact, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Doing so not only protects you but could also save others from falling into the same trap.
Here’s what you should do:
1. Stop All Communication Immediately
Once you suspect a scam, cut off all contact with the agent or seller. Don’t send any money, documents, or personal information. Scammers often push harder once they sense you’re unsure — don’t give them the chance.
2. Report the Listing to the Platform
If the listing appeared on a platform like ours, use the “Leave a Review” section and drop your review to notify the support team. Reputable platforms investigate reports quickly and will suspend or ban fraudulent accounts.
3. Warn Others Publicly
Share your experience in Facebook groups, forums, or community chats where others might be searching for property. A simple warning can prevent someone else from losing their money.
4. Contact Law Enforcement or Cybercrime Units
If you’ve already been scammed or lost money, report to the Nigerian Police Force or EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission).
Provide them with details like:
- Name and phone number of the scammer
- Bank account details used for the transaction
- Screenshots or chat records
5. Use the Experience to Educate Others
Whether you escaped the scam or not, share what happened. Nigeria’s real estate space will only become safer when more people become aware and alert.
Also Check: Top 10 Real Estate Companies in Lagos
How to Know If a Property Listing Is Legit in Nigeria: Final Thought
Finding a home or investment property in Nigeria shouldn’t feel like walking through a minefield. But sadly, real estate scams have made it a risky process. The good news is, with the right knowledge and tools, you can confidently spot and avoid fake listings.
Whether you’re searching through social media, classifieds, or property websites, always remember: never rush into payments, insist on physical inspections, verify the agent’s identity, and trust your instincts. Scammers rely on desperation and urgency — don’t give them the upper hand.
At Amapha, we’re committed to creating a safe, transparent, and trustworthy platform for property seekers across Nigeria. Our verified agents, clear listing policies, and reporting system are all designed with your safety in mind.
Ready to find your next property the safe way?
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