The rise of digital platforms has made it easier to find houses and land for sale, but it has also created opportunities for scammers to post fake real estate listings. These fraudulent advertisements often lure unsuspecting buyers with low prices, attractive photos, and urgent sales tactics.
Knowing how to identify fake listings can save you from losing millions of naira to dishonest agents and online fraudsters.
If a property is being sold far below market value, it is a major red flag. Scammers use cheap prices to attract quick buyers who will pay before verifying anything.
A legitimate seller will always allow physical inspection. If the agent or seller keeps giving excuses like “I’m not around,” “The key is with someone else,” or “Just pay first,” you should walk away immediately.
A real property listing must have clear and complete documents. Be cautious if the agent refuses to show you:
Many fake listings use photos copied from Google or other websites. To check this, perform a **reverse image search** to see if the photos appear on multiple sites.
Scammers often rush buyers by claiming that “someone else is about to buy it.” This pressure prevents you from verifying the listing properly.
Fake agents hide behind fake numbers or anonymous profiles. A legitimate realtor should have traceable contact details and an office address.
Fake listings often contain misleading or confusing information such as varying prices, wrong locations, or unrealistic specifications.
Be cautious of listings that promise things like:
Fake real estate listings are becoming more common, but with the right knowledge, you can easily avoid them. Always take your time, verify every detail, and work with trusted professionals. A genuine property deal will never require you to rush.