How to Spot a Fake Real Estate Consultant: A Diaspora Investor’s Survival Checklist
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 14, 2025
For many Nigerians in the diaspora, the dream of owning property back home is powerful — but so is the fear of being scammed. Between WhatsApp agents, Instagram “developers,” and smooth-talking “consultants,” the line between real professionals and fraudsters can be dangerously thin.
If you’re living abroad (UK, US, or Canada) and planning to invest in Nigerian real estate, this survival checklist could save you thousands — and protect your peace of mind.
1. Check Their Business Registration (Not Just Their Instagram)
A real consultant is backed by a registered real estate company, not just a personal brand.Before you engage:
Ask for their CAC registration number.
Verify the company name at https://publicsearch.cac.gov.ng.
Make sure their name appears on official company documents or website.
🚩 Red flag: If they dodge registration questions or say “we’re still processing it.”
2. Confirm Their Office Location and Contact Channels
Legitimate consultants have:
A physical office address (you can verify via Google Maps or a local visit).
Active business phone lines and corporate email addresses (not Gmail or Yahoo).
🚩 Red flag: “We work remotely” or “just message me on WhatsApp.”Authentic professionals never operate in secrecy.
3. Look for Verified Client Testimonials — Not Staged Reviews
Real testimonials feature:
Client names, locations (e.g., “Olu from Manchester”).
Actual property photos or videos.
Real-time feedback on service quality.
Ask to speak with past clients or see case studies of diaspora investors.If every testimonial sounds too polished or identical, trust your gut.
4. Demand to See the Developer’s Documents
Any consultant promoting land or housing should be able to show:
Title documents (C of O, Gazette, Governor’s Consent)
Survey plan and layout approvals
Developer’s company registration and project license
If they hesitate, give excuses like “my boss will send it later,” or send blurred documents — walk away.
5. Review How They Handle Payments
A true consultant uses transparent and traceable payment systems:
Corporate bank accounts (in company name)
Payment receipts and official invoices
No “personal accounts” or third-party transfers
🚩 Red flag: If they ask for payment into a “manager’s account” or say “na same thing.”
Every legitimate company separates client funds from personal ones.
6. Assess Their Knowledge and Professionalism
Ask questions like:
“Can you explain the difference between Excision and Gazette?”
“What’s the process for getting a C of O?”
“Which areas in Lagos currently have the best appreciation rate?”
A real consultant answers confidently and educates you.A fake one avoids details or responds with buzzwords like “Don’t worry, it’s safe.”
7. Watch Their Communication Patterns
Legit consultants:
Respond promptly and professionally.
Use correct grammar, official branding, and consistent tone.
Provide clear documentation of every discussion.
Fake ones often:
Overpromise (“This deal will double in 3 months!”)
Use emotional pressure (“Pay now before price increases!”)
Disappear for days once you send money.
8. Ask About Legal Support and Verification Partners
A true real estate consultant has a network of professionals — lawyers, surveyors, and developers — and can introduce them transparently.
Ask:
“Can I speak to the lawyer handling verification?”“Can my independent lawyer review the contract before signing?”
🚩 Red flag: “Don’t worry, we handle everything internally.”
9. Evaluate Transparency and Documentation Trail
Legitimate consultants provide:
Written agreements before payment
Transaction summaries
Proof of site inspection (with timestamps)
Copies of every signed document
If your consultant avoids paper trails, it’s not oversight — it’s intentional opacity.
10. Trust Patterns, Not Personalities
Scammers sound confident. Professionals sound consistent.The difference is patterns of transparency, not promises.
So before you part with your hard-earned foreign savings, remember:
A trustworthy real estate consultant doesn’t just sell land — they build accountability.
Bonus Tip for Diaspora Investors
Request that all communication, documentation, and payments be done through a corporate channel (e.g., company email, secure payment portal, or official account manager).It protects you legally and ensures traceability.
Final Thought
In the Nigerian property market, information is protection — and vigilance is wealth.Before you buy, verify. Before you trust, test.A genuine consultant will pass every check without hesitation.
At Zikan Prop Solutions, we’re redefining what it means to invest safely from abroad — through verified partnerships, transparent communication, and client accountability from start to finish.
🏢 Zikan Prop Solutions
🥇 Certified Real Estate Consultant | Multi Award-Winning Realtor
Helping you make the best real estate purchase & investment decisions.
📱 +234 703 000 3514
📲 IG: @zikanpropsolutions
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