Research the Property and Seller Thoroughly
The first and most important step in avoiding a real estate scam is comprehensive research. Before committing to any deal, take the time to investigate both the property and the seller. Start by verifying all critical documents, such as the title deed, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), survey plan, and tax receipts, at the relevant government land registry. These records will confirm whether the property is legally registered, free of disputes, and available for sale. 
In addition, check that the seller or agent is the genuine property owner or a licensed representative. If the property belongs to a company, visit the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to confirm the business registration and ensure the company is legally authorized to sell the land or building.
Tip: Always cross check every document with government agencies like the Land Registry or CAC. A quick verification can reveal hidden disputes, unpaid taxes, or fake paperwork that scammers often use to deceive buyers.
Why it matters: Many real estate scams rely on forged or duplicated documents to trick buyers into making payments. By verifying ownership and legal status early, you protect yourself from losing money to fraudsters and ensure you are dealing with a legitimate transaction.
Beware of Deals That Sound Too Good to Be True
One of the most common tactics scammers use is luring buyers with unbelievably low prices. If a property is being offered at a cost that is far below the current market rate, this should immediately raise suspicion. While everyone loves a bargain, real estate prices are usually consistent within a particular neighborhood, so an offer that seems too good to be true often signals hidden problems or an outright scam. 
Fraudsters frequently create a sense of urgency to push buyers into rushed decisions. They may claim that the property is in “high demand,” that it’s a one day only offer, or that another buyer is ready to pay immediately. Some will even discourage you from carrying out due diligence, warning that delays could cause you to “lose the deal.”
Smart Move: Always take your time and compare prices of similar properties in the same area to determine the true market value. Use online property platforms, speak to local agents, and review recent sales data to understand the average cost. If the deal is drastically lower than comparable listings, it’s better to walk away than to risk your money.
Why it matters: Scammers rely on emotions, especially greed and fear of missing out, to trick buyers. By staying calm and doing your homework, you can avoid being pressured into a transaction that could lead to financial loss or legal trouble.
Avoid Pressure to Pay Immediately
In real estate, legitimate transactions take time. From verifying documents to signing agreements, every step should follow a clear and transparent process. If a seller or agent is pressuring you to make a payment on the spot, consider it a serious red flag. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to prevent buyers from conducting proper checks.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
Sellers are insisting on cash only payments to avoid bank records.
Statements like “another buyer is ready to pay today” or “you’ll lose the property if you don’t act fast.”
Hesitation or refusal to provide key documents, such as a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), deed of assignment, or survey plan, before payment.
Smart Move: Never transfer money or hand over cash without a formal written agreement, verified ownership documents, and the presence of a lawyer or licensed agent. Take your time to cross-check property details at the Land Registry or the relevant government office. If the seller refuses to allow verification or tries to rush the process, it’s safer to walk away.
Why it matters: Fraudsters know that careful buyers are harder to scam. By demanding instant payment, they aim to bypass due diligence and disappear before you realize the fraud. Protect your investment by following the proper steps, even if it means losing a “good deal.”
Insist on a Physical Inspection
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to be impressed by high quality photos and videos of a property. But pictures can be edited, outdated, or taken from different locations altogether. To protect yourself, always inspect the property in person before making any payment or signing an agreement.
A physical visit confirms that the property truly exists, matches the online description, and is free of major issues. Many victims of real estate scams later discover that the property they paid for is either non-existent, already sold to someone else, or significantly different from what was advertised.
Smart Move:
Bring a trusted surveyor, lawyer, or real estate professional along for the inspection. They can help identify boundary encroachments, illegal structures, or hidden structural problems that a casual visitor might miss.
Check the surrounding environment for potential concerns such as flooding, poor road access, or ongoing disputes with neighbors.
Confirm that the land is not under government acquisition or earmarked for public projects.
Visit the property at different times of the day to assess factors like noise levels, traffic flow, and security in the neighborhood.
A site visit gives you first hand knowledge of what you’re buying and protects you from scams based on fake listings or misleading marketing. If the seller discourages or blocks an inspection, treat it as a major red flag and walk away.
Verify Government Approvals and Zoning Laws
Even if a property is legitimate and the seller is genuine, it still needs to meet all government regulations and zoning requirements. In Nigeria, land use is governed by strict laws, and failing to verify these approvals can lead to costly legal disputes or even demolition by government authorities.
Some properties are built on land that is under government acquisition, earmarked for road expansion, or reserved for public infrastructure. Others may be zoned strictly for agricultural, residential, or commercial use. Buying a property that does not meet its designated purpose can result in eviction or heavy fines.
Key Documents to Check:
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Proves that the government has officially allocated the land to the owner for a specific use.
Governor’s Consent: Required for any transfer of ownership to validate a sale or purchase.
Excision Papers: Confirm that the land has been released from government acquisition and is safe for private development.
Survey Plan: Helps you verify the land’s exact location and ensure it aligns with the approved purpose.
Visit the state land registry or relevant government office to verify the authenticity of these documents.
Engage a property lawyer or professional real estate consultant to interpret technical details and identify hidden risks.
Ask the seller for original copies of all approvals and compare them with government records to detect forgeries.
Checking government approvals and zoning laws isn’t just a formality; it is your legal shield against fraud, future demolition, or costly disputes. If a seller refuses to provide these documents or discourages verification, treat it as a serious red flag and walk away from the deal.
Work with Licensed Professionals
One of the smartest ways to avoid real estate scams in Nigeria is to involve qualified professionals at every stage of the transaction. Buying or selling property is a significant financial commitment, and relying on trusted experts ensures that every document, payment, and agreement is handled legally and transparently.
Fraudsters often target inexperienced buyers who try to handle everything themselves. Without professional guidance, you may overlook fake documents, hidden charges, or illegal property transfers. Licensed professionals have the training and access to government databases needed to detect fraud and protect your investment.
Key Experts to Hire:
Certified Real Estate Agent:
A registered agent understands local market values and can verify whether a property is priced fairly. They also check the legitimacy of sellers and provide reliable property listings.Property Lawyer:
A legal expert reviews all contracts, conducts title searches, and ensures that ownership documents (like the Certificate of Occupancy or Governor’s Consent) are authentic and up to date.Professional Surveyor:
A surveyor confirms the property’s exact boundaries, checks for encroachments, and ensures the land is not under government acquisition.
Always ask for proof of certification before hiring any professional. In Nigeria, reputable agents are registered with the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) or the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN). Lawyers should be verified with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The Benefit:
Working with licensed professionals gives you peace of mind. They provide accurate property evaluations, protect you from hidden liabilities, and ensure all paperwork is legally binding—so you can invest confidently without fear of scams.
Protect Your Payment Transactions
Real estate is one of the most powerful tools for building long term wealth, but it can also attract fraudsters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. Protecting your payment transactions is critical to avoiding devastating financial losses.
Whenever it’s time to make a payment, always use safe and traceable methods such as bank transfers or certified cheques rather than cash. Cash transactions may seem convenient, but they offer no proof of payment and make it harder to recover funds in the event of a dispute.
Before transferring any money, verify the recipient’s identity and confirm that the payment is being made to the rightful property owner or an approved company account. If you are dealing with a real estate agency or developer, request official payment details and double check them through verified contact channels. 
In addition, keep copies of all financial records, including receipts, agreements, emails, and text messages. These documents provide valuable evidence and can protect you if any issues arise in the future.
Stay vigilant, stay secure. By taking your time, verifying every detail, and refusing to rush into decisions, you safeguard both your money and your investment.
