How to Spot a Real Estate Scam in Nigeria: A Practical Guide for Diaspora Buyers
- Zikan Realtors
- Dec 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Buying land in Nigeria from abroad can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make—but it also comes with risks. Every year, thousands of Diaspora Nigerians lose money to fake agents, cloned land documents, and “too-good-to-be-true” deals.
This guide breaks down red flags to watch for, common scam tactics, and how to protect your money so you can invest with confidence.
The Most Common Real Estate Scams Diaspora Nigerians Face
1.Duplicate or Fake Land Documents
Scammers forge survey plans, receipts, C of O, excision letters, and allocation papers. Many unsuspecting buyers send money abroad without verifying any document.
Red flag:Documents shared only as WhatsApp images, blurry scans, or “we will show you when you pay.”
2. Selling Land That Is Already Sold (or Not Theirs to Sell)
Some agents sell omo onile land without the family’s approval. Others sell the same plot to 3–5 buyers.
Red flag:A seller who refuses to let you involve your own lawyer or surveyor.
3. Selling Land Under Government Acquisition
Many plots advertised in Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Port Harcourt fall under committed government zones—meaning you cannot legally build there.
Red flag:Very cheap prices in “fast developing areas” with no title and no verification allowed.
4. Ghost Real Estate Companies
Some “companies” create a flashy Instagram page, rent an office for 3 months, launch aggressive marketing—and disappear after collecting deposits.
Red flag:Companies only reachable by DM, no registered address, no RC number, no staff transparency.
5. Fake Allocation / Fake Site Visits
Some buyers get “allocation videos,” “allocation photos,” or “site evidence” that have nothing to do with the land they paid for.
Red flag:Allocation done without survey coordinates, or allocation done immediately after payment without site verification.
15 Red Flags That Instantly Signal a Possible Scam
Red Flag #1: No legal documents provided before payment
Red Flag #2: Discounts that sound unrealistic (50% off, “today only,” “founder’s promo”)
Red Flag #3: No physical office
Red Flag #4: Staff avoid video calls or face-to-face meetings
Red Flag #5: No approved layout or registered survey
Red Flag #6: Payment is requested in personal accounts
Red Flag #7: No track record of delivered projects
Red Flag #8: No customer testimonials (or fake ones)
Red Flag #9: Inability to provide the land coordinates
Red Flag #10: “You don’t need a lawyer”
Red Flag #11: Zero transparency about the land title
Red Flag #12: Allocation that doesn’t match layout
Red Flag #13: Company refuses independent verification
Red Flag #14: No presence on CAC registry
Red Flag #15: Pressure to pay immediately to secure discount
If even three of these appear, walk away.
How to Verify Any Land in Nigeria (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Request All Documents Before Payment
At minimum:
Survey plan
Deed of assignment / purchase receipt
Approved layout
Title document (C of O, excision, Gazette, Governor’s consent)
Step 2: Confirm the Survey at the Office of the Surveyor-General
A licensed surveyor will help you:
Confirm coordinates
Check for government acquisition
Confirm land status
Confirm previous registered owners
Step 3: Conduct a Search at the Land Registry
Your lawyer will verify:
Title authenticity
Previous transfers
Encumbrances or disputes
Government acquisition status
Step 4: Visit the Land Physically or Through an Independent Representative
Not the seller.Not the company.Someone you appoint.
Step 5: Involve Your Own Lawyer (Not Theirs)
Your lawyer should review every document, every receipt, and every clause.
How Genuine Real Estate Companies Operate (Signs of a Legit Firm)
✔ They encourage due diligence
✔ They provide full documents before payment
✔ They have a verifiable office and staff
✔ They are registered with CAC
✔ They allow your surveyor to access the land
✔ They have delivered past projects
✔ They issue professional receipts and agreements
✔ They offer clear payment structure and escrow options
Legit companies never rush you to pay.
How Diaspora Nigerians Can Protect Their Money
Tip 1: Use Only Corporate Accounts
Avoid personal accounts. Demand a company account matching the CAC name.
Tip 2: Use Escrow or Lawyer-Managed Payment
Money should only be released after legal verification.
Tip 3: Work With a Verified Real Estate Consultant
A trustworthy consultant helps you:
Verify land
Manage documentation
Handle due diligence
Prevent scam traps
Secure secure titles
Tip 4: Ask for Internally Verified Plots Only
Some companies have plots that have passed multiple layers of verification and are safe for building.
Tip 5: Record Every Communication
Emails, messages, video calls—keep everything.
The Bottom Line
Land investment in Nigeria is rewarding—but only if done with structure, verification, and the right team. You don’t have to fear scams. You just need knowledge and trustworthy guidance.
With the right real estate consultant, you can invest safely, confidently, and profitably from anywhere in the world.
🏢 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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