Buying a home or investing in land is one of the most significant financial milestones in a person’s life. Unfortunately, because real estate transactions involve large sums of money, the industry has become a prime target for fraudsters. Scammers frequently pose as legitimate real estate agents to defraud unsuspecting buyers.

To protect your investment and give you greater peace of mind, here are five critical red flags that can help you identify a fake real estate agent before it’s too late.

Top 5 Red Flags of a Fake Real Estate Agent

1. High-Pressure Tactics and Extreme Urgency

The Tactic: Fake agents often create a false sense of urgency to pressure buyers into making rushed decisions. They may say things like, “Another buyer is making an offer right now—if you don’t transfer a deposit within the hour, you’ll lose the property.”

The Reality: A legitimate real estate agent understands that buying property is a major financial decision and will give you reasonable time to conduct due diligence. They will encourage you to consult your lawyer or trusted adviser, review the relevant documents, and make an informed decision. If anyone pressures you to skip due diligence or make an immediate payment, treat it as a major warning sign and walk away.

2. They Refuse In-Person Meetings or Physical Inspections

The Tactic: Scammers often have an excuse for why they cannot meet you in person or show you the property. They may claim they are out of town, dealing with an emergency, or that the property is “temporarily locked up” but can be secured if you pay a deposit first.

The Reality: Never buy land or a house without inspecting it. A legitimate real estate agent should be willing to arrange a physical inspection of the property and meet with you, either personally or through an authorised representative where necessary. They also should not demand an “inspection fee” simply to view a property for sale. If an agent continually avoids in-person meetings, refuses to facilitate an inspection, or insists on receiving payment before you have seen the property, treat it as a serious red flag.

3. They Demand Payments into Personal Accounts

The Tactic: When it comes time to pay a commitment fee, documentation fee, or deposit, the agent pressures you to transfer the money into a personal bank account that does not belong to the property owner or the company they claim to represent. They may also discourage you from asking questions about who owns the account.

The Reality: While it is perfectly normal for an individual selling their own property to receive payment into their personal bank account, you should always verify that the account belongs to the rightful seller or an authorised representative. Where an agent claims to represent a property owner, confirm that they have the authority to receive payment on the owner’s behalf before transferring any funds. Always insist on proper documentation and receipts, and never make payments where the identity of the recipient or the purpose of the payment cannot be verified.

4. Unverifiable Identity or Authority

The Tactic: The agent avoids providing information that would allow you to verify who they are or whether they are genuinely authorised to market the property. They may refuse to disclose the property owner’s details (where appropriate), be evasive about the company they claim to represent, or become defensive when asked for proof of their authority.

The Reality: Whether you are dealing with an individual agent or a real estate company, you should be able to verify who you are dealing with. If the agent is acting independently, ask for a valid means of identification and evidence that they have the owner’s authority to market the property. If they claim to represent a real estate company, verify the company’s existence, confirm that they are affiliated with it, and request the relevant company details where necessary. If you cannot confirm who the agent is or whether they are authorised to market the property, do not commit any money until the property owner or the company they claim to represent confirms their authority.

5. Deals That Seem “Too Good to Be True”

The Tactic: The agent offers a choice plot of land or a luxury apartment in a highly sought-after location at a fraction of its market value, often describing it as a “distress sale” or a “limited-time opportunity” to pressure you into acting quickly.

The Reality: While genuine distress sales do occur, they are the exception rather than the rule. If a property’s asking price is significantly lower than comparable properties in the same area, ask why. A legitimate seller or agent should be able to provide a reasonable explanation and the necessary documents to support the sale. If the explanation is vague, inconsistent, or accompanied by pressure to make an immediate payment, treat it as a warning sign and carry out thorough due diligence before proceeding.

Additional Tips to Protect Your Property Investment

Beyond recognising the warning signs of fraudulent real estate agents, taking a few extra precautions can go a long way in protecting your investment. Here are three practical steps every property buyer should take:

1. Conduct an Independent Title Search

Before making any payment, verify the property’s title at the relevant land registry or land administration authority. This helps confirm the true owner of the property and reveals any existing encumbrances, disputes, or government acquisitions that may affect it.

2. Speak with the Neighbours

When inspecting the property, take a few minutes to speak with nearby residents or business owners. They may be able to provide useful information about the property’s ownership, history, or any known disputes affecting the land.

3. Always Involve a Lawyer

Engage a qualified lawyer to review the title documents, deed of assignment (where applicable), survey plan, and any sale agreement before committing to the transaction. A legitimate agent or seller should welcome legal due diligence rather than discourage it.

Final Thoughts

Property fraud is often preventable when buyers take the time to ask questions, verify information, and carry out proper due diligence. If an agent pressures you to ignore these steps or discourages you from verifying the transaction, consider it a warning sign. A legitimate property transaction should withstand careful scrutiny.

How Jeje-Ola Properties Nig. Ltd Helps You Buy with Confidence

Buying property is a major investment, and every buyer deserves a transparent and well-documented process. At Jeje-Ola Properties Nigeria Limited, we are committed to helping our clients make informed decisions by ensuring that every transaction is handled professionally and transparently.

• Registered and Verifiable: We are a duly incorporated real estate company, and our corporate information is available for verification.
• Physical Property Inspections: We encourage prospective buyers to inspect properties before making any financial commitment.
• Transparent Transactions: Payments are handled through our official channels, and we issue appropriate documentation and receipts for every transaction.
• Support for Due Diligence: We welcome buyers and their legal advisers to conduct the necessary verification and due diligence before completing a purchase.