(Don’t fall victim to rental scams — read this first!)
In Lagos, house-hunting can quickly turn into a nightmare — especially if you cross paths with a fake house agent. From phantom apartments to disappearing agents, rental scams have become a booming side hustle for streetwise fraudsters. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
To help you stay smart and safe, here are 8 clear warning signs to help you spot a fake agent in Lagos before it’s too late.
🚩 1. They Ask You to Pay “Inspection Fee” Before Seeing the House
Legit agents might ask for a token inspection fee (₦1k–₦3k), but beware of agents demanding money upfront without showing you anything. If you hear:
“Just send ₦5,000 to secure the inspection.”
🚨 RED FLAG. They’re likely fake or unserious.
🚩 2. They Can’t Give You the Exact House Address
If they keep saying things like:
“I’ll direct you when you’re close.”
“The landlord doesn’t want to expose the address yet.”
Run. A real agent will give you a proper location — especially if you’re serious about inspecting.
🚩 3. No Office, No Identity, No Evidence
Ask:
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Do you have a business card?
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What’s your agency name?
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Can I see your office?
If they dodge those questions or say “I dey road always,” you’re likely dealing with a fraudster.
🚩 4. The Rent Sounds Too Good to Be True
If they say:
“You can get 2-bedroom for ₦250k in Lekki Phase 1.”
Be careful. Scammers love baiting people with unbelievable offers to lure fast payments. Cheap rent = potential trap.
🚩 5. They Pressure You to Pay Immediately
A classic line:
“Five people are already interested. If you don’t pay today, it’s gone.”
Scammers rely on urgency and fear. Don’t ever transfer rent or caution fee without:
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Seeing the place physically
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Speaking with the landlord
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Confirming other tenants live there
🚩 6. They Refuse to Show You the Actual Apartment Twice
You inspect one apartment and later ask to come again, but the agent dodges or says:
“That one don go, but I get another similar one.”
It usually means they never had access to that apartment in the first place.
🚩 7. No Access to the Landlord or Property Owner
A genuine agent will link you with the landlord or caretaker at some point.
If they’re avoiding that conversation or giving excuses, it’s likely a fake deal.
🚩 8. They Keep Switching Locations or Stories
If you’ve gone to 3 different places and the agent keeps saying:
“That one na caretaker wahala.”
“The landlord just gave it out now.”
That’s a professional game — they’re burning your transport and buying time while looking for nothing.
🔐 Pro Tips to Avoid Scammers:
✅ Go with someone — Never inspect alone.
✅ Demand a receipt for any payment (including inspection).
✅ Google them or search their number on social media — many scammers have been exposed.
✅ Ask to meet at the property, not roadside junctions.
📍 Final Word from Eyes of Lagos:
House agents in Lagos are not all bad, but the fake ones are many — and they’re getting smarter. Stay sharp. Ask questions. Don’t rush. And always double-check.
