How to Avoid Rental Scams in Nigeria: 12 Red Flags to Watch For

Almost everyone who has rented in Nigeria knows someone who paid for a place that did not exist, or one that was rented to three people at once. The good news is that most scams follow the same patterns. Learn them and you can spot trouble early.

The 12 red flags

1. The price is far below the area average

If a flat in a good area costs half of what similar ones do, ask why. Scammers use bargain prices to make you hurry.

2. Pressure to pay before you have seen the place

"Many people are interested, pay now to hold it" is the classic line. A real agent lets you inspect first.

3. No physical address

Listings that only say "Lekki" or "Ikeja" with no street, estate or landmark are hard to verify.

4. Photos that look too perfect, or are reused

Run a reverse image search on the photos. Scam listings often copy pictures from hotels, developers or other websites.

5. The agent will not meet at the property

If every meeting is "somewhere else", the person may not have access to the place at all.

6. Payment into a personal account you cannot trace

Ask for the account name and check that it matches the landlord or a registered agency.

7. They refuse to show proof of authority

An agent should be able to show a letter or contact from the owner. A landlord should be able to show ownership documents.

8. No tenancy agreement, or one they will not let you read

Walk away from anyone who says "we will sort the paperwork later".

9. A story that keeps changing

Different rent amounts, different fees, or different descriptions each time you ask.

10. Demands for "inspection fees" that are unusually high

Small, clearly explained fees can be normal. Large, unexplained fees just to look at a flat are not.

11. Communication only through one messaging app, and never a call

Scammers avoid voice and video. Insist on a call. On 9jaFinder you can call or video-chat with an agent inside the app.

12. Your instinct says something is off

If you feel rushed or uneasy, stop. A good place will still be there after you have asked questions.

What to do before you pay anything

1. Visit the property in daylight and meet the person with the keys.
2. Verify the owner or agent. Ask for ID and proof of authority, and check reviews of the agent where you can.
3. Confirm the full cost in writing, itemised.
4. Pay only by traceable transfer to a named account, never cash handed over in a car park.
5. Get a receipt and a signed agreement the same day.

If you think you have been scammed

Keep all messages, receipts and account details. Report to your bank immediately, file a report with the police, and tell the platform where you found the listing. On 9jaFinder you can use Report an issue so the listing can be reviewed.

Renting should be exciting, not stressful. Take your time, ask questions and use trusted listings and agents to make the safe choice the easy one.