Scams are prevalent in Nigeria. We often hear stories on the internet and social media about dishonest people who use hook and crook to defraud unsuspecting victims.

 

Unfortunately, the real estate sector is not spared from this problem. It has had its share of various scams all over the years!  From fraudulent rental scams to fake land sales, scammers have continued to inflict pain and financial losses on unsuspecting buyers. 

 

Nobody wants to go through these problems at all. 

Whether you are a prospective real estate investor, landlord, or tenant, identifying scams and avoiding them will save you a lot!

 Join us in this post as we uncover some of the top real estate scams in Nigeria and also provide tips on how you can avoid them. 

 

Top 6 Real Estate Scams in Nigeria

 

Fraudsters use different tricks to deceive property buyers and renters. Below are some of the most common scams and how they operate: 

 

1. Fake Property Listings

There is a high demand for rents in most places like  Lagos, and Abuja, so scammers usually take advantage of this by posting attractive rental offers on property on social media or WhatsApp groups. These listings often feature cheap rent in prime locations to lure potential tenants. Once interested renters reach out, the fraudster demands a deposit or full payment before they can inspect the property.

They will also tell the interested renter that many other renters are interested in the same property and making an instant part-payment will help secure the rent.  

 

 How to Avoid falling fake property listings in Nigeria include:

• No matter how desperate you are, always make sure you physically inspect the property before making any payments.
• Verify the landlord/agent’s identity by asking for their registered details.
• Be skeptical of deals that sound too good to be true. For example, rents or property is that far worth the money you are being asked to pay. 

 

2. Fake Real Estate Companies

Scammers often set up fake real estate companies that appear legitimate. They collect money from unsuspecting buyers, promising to deliver houses or plots that do not exist. To detect fake real estate companies, look out for the following red flags: 

• No Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration.
• No verifiable office address.
• Unrealistically low prices.

How to Avoid Fake Real Estate Companies Scam In Nigeria:

• Verify the company’s CAC registration at cac.gov.ng.
• Check for online reviews and testimonials.
• Request proper documentation before making payments.

 

3. Multiple Rent Collection Scam

Multiple Rent Collection Scam is another top real estate scam in Nigeria.  This happens when fraudsters collect rent from multiple tenants for the same apartment. Victims only discover the scam when they show up to move in and find out the property is already occupied.

 How to Avoid Multiple Rent Collection Scams 

• Verify the landlord’s identity before making payments.
• Insist on a signed tenancy agreement and an official receipt.
• Go the extra mile by conducting a background check! You can do this by speaking with neighbors or previous tenants. 

Read Also: Four (4) Tips To Identifying Rental Scams In Lagos

 

4. Hidden Charges Scams 

Hidden charges scams are one of the most deceptive tactics used by fraudulent agents, and property developers in Nigeria. These scams involve undisclosed fees or ridiculous charges that unsuspecting tenants or buyers only discover after making an initial payment or signing an agreement. 

Many people fall victim because they don’t ask the right questions or read the contract carefully. For every property purchase, investors are required to pay statutory fees such as survey and legal fees. However, some real estate developers or agents inflate these charges by adding excessive costs.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Hidden Charges Scams

• Ask for a written cost breakdown before making payments.
•  Read tenancy or purchase agreements carefully before signing.
•  Negotiate all fees upfront to avoid last-minute surprises.
•  Work with a trusted real estate lawyer to review contracts.

 

5. Fake Title Documents Scam

Fake property documents are a major scam in Nigeria, and the real estate industry is no exception. Many properties advertised by real estate agencies lack genuine titles. To make them appear legitimate, agents falsely claim the land has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Approved Excision, or Gazette.

Since buyers often request verification, some agencies try to work around this by providing fake coordinates from a different titled property within the same area. Unsuspecting buyers, trusting the documents, proceed with the purchase—only to realize years later that they have been scammed.

The major reason is that many buyers fall victim because they don’t know how to verify land documents in Nigeria before making payments.

How to Avoid Fake Title Document Scams

•  Work with trusted real estate companies that have a strong track record.
• Always Verify Property Documents by Checking the authenticity of title documents at the Lands Registry before making any payments.
• Engage a real estate lawyer or surveyor to verify land documents.

 

Related: Important Documents to Observe When Purchasing A Property

 

6. Mortgage & Loan Fraud

Mortgage and loan fraud is a growing problem in Nigeria’s real estate sector. Scammers take advantage of individuals looking for home loans or mortgage financing by promising low-interest rates, fast approval, or easy repayment plans—only to disappear with their money or trap them in fraudulent agreements.

In some cases, fake real estate companies also offer land or houses on mortgage terms but fail to deliver ownership documents even after full payment.

How to Identify Fraudulent Mortgage Deals:

• Unrealistically low interest rates.
• No clear repayment plan.
• No government-approved affiliation.

How to Avoid It:

• Work with licensed mortgage institutions in Nigeria.
• Verify mortgage providers through CBN’s official website.
• Avoid paying large sums upfront.

 

General Tips on How to  Protect Yourself from Real Estate Scams in Nigeria

 

1.  Verify All Property Documents – Check for a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, and Survey Plan before making payments.
2. Engage Licensed Real Estate Lawyers – A professional lawyer can help you review contracts and confirm land authenticity.
3. Check with government agencies. Visit the Land Registry, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and EFCC watchlist for verification.
4. Avoid Rushed Deals – Scammers often pressure buyers to make fast payments. Take your time to conduct due diligence.
5. Meet the Property Owner in Person – Always verify the seller’s identity and ask for valid government-issued ID cards.
6. Avoid making Cash Payments: By all means, avoid making cash payments as they always leave no proof of payment. Always pay into an official bank account of the real estate company.

Conclusion

Real estate scams in Nigeria are a serious problem, but by being informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim.

Say NO to real estate fraud. At Thinkmint Nigeria,  we offer authentic, legally verified properties in Nigeria. Let us help you secure a safe investment with verified land titles and no hidden charges. Call or WhatsApp:+234 809 784 5065

 Visit our website: www.thinkmint.ng/buyrealestate