In Nigeria’s property market, not everyone who calls themselves an agent is legitimate. Fraudulent agents have cost thousands of buyers and renters enormous sums of money. Knowing the warning signs is your first line of defence.

1. They pressure you to pay immediately: When you hear “if you don’t pay in 48 hours, the price will increase,” that is a manipulation tactic designed to stop you from doing due diligence. Legitimate agents understand that property decisions take time and never rush serious buyers.

2. The price is suspiciously below market value: One of the biggest red flags in a real estate scam is a property listed at an unbelievably low price. Scammers use cheap rates to lure victims, claiming they need to sell quickly due to an emergency. Always compare prices of similar properties in the same area before proceeding.

3. They resist showing you original documents: A legitimate agent or developer will allow you to sight and verify original title documents. If they insist on only showing you documents inside their office, or share only photocopies and scanned versions, they have something to hide.

4. They discourage you from involving a lawyer: Fraudulent agents often demand that buyers cut their lawyers or advisers out of the process and work only with them. Any agent who is uncomfortable with independent legal oversight is protecting information that you need to find out.

5. They cannot connect you directly with the landlord or owner: Fraudsters sometimes show a property that belongs to another landlord entirely, collect fees, and then vanish. Always insist on speaking directly with the property owner and confirming the agent has authority to act on their behalf.

6. They ask for cash only with no receipt: Legitimate transactions leave a paper trail. Any agent who insists on cash payments with no documentation is setting up a situation where you have no recourse if things go wrong.

7. Their online presence does not add up: Fraudsters now use fake documents, cloned websites, and spoofed identities to appear credible. Search the agent’s name, company, and phone number online before any engagement and check for complaints on forums and housing platforms.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

Have you encountered a suspicious agent? Report it in our Scam Reports and Warnings forum.