Real Estate Scams in Nigeria Hit ₦16 Billion in 2025: How to Avoid Getting Duped
Real Estate Scams Surge by ₦16 Billion in Nigeria: How Fraudsters Target Buyers and Renters
Nigeria’s real estate market is under attack. Between January and July 2025, reported real estate scams surged to ₦16.2 billion in estimated losses, according to data from the EFCC and consumer watchdogs.
Fraudsters are exploiting desperation and limited regulation to deceive home seekers and investors. Here’s how they operate, and how you can stay safe.
The Tactics They Use
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Fake Listings
Criminals copy listings from legit websites and repost them with their own contact info. Victims pay deposits for properties they’ll never see. -
Ghost Agents
These agents have no physical office, no real portfolio, and no verifiable ID. They vanish after collecting inspection or holding fees. -
Title Deception
Fraudsters present fake or duplicate Certificates of Occupancy. Some victims discover too late that the property has multiple claims. -
WhatsApp & Social Media Traps
Instagram and WhatsApp groups have become hotspots for rental scams. Scammers pose as landlords or agents and demand upfront payments.
Who’s at Risk
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First-time buyers looking for cheap land
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Diaspora Nigerians investing remotely
How to Stay Safe
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Verify agent identity with LASRERA or local real estate associations.
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Never pay upfront without seeing the property and signing a verified agreement.
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Demand original documents and conduct a land search at the land registry.
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Use trusted platforms like PropertyPro.ng or Nigeria Property Centre with verified listings.
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Avoid social media-only deals. Meet in person. Use traceable payment methods.
The Bigger Problem
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No unified national property database
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Slow legal recourse for victims
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Minimal penalties for convicted scammers
Until tighter laws and tech-based verification systems are adopted, buyers must protect themselves. Knowledge is your best defense.
