Real estate is one of the most lucrative investments in Nigeria, but it’s also a sector filled with fraudsters waiting to exploit unsuspecting buyers. Every year, thousands of Nigerians including those in the diaspora all victim to land scams, fake documents, and deceitful agents.
At Timeless Assets Limited, we believe that owning property should be safe, stress-free, and rewarding. That’s why we’re exposing the most common real estate scams in Nigeria and how to protect yourself from falling into these traps.
1. The ‘Omo-Onile’ Scam (Land Grabbers Extortion)
How it Works:
You buy a piece of land, only to be harassed by “Omo-Onile” (land grabbers) who claim ownership and demand extra payments for things like foundation fees, fencing fees, and even “settlement” fees. If you refuse, they threaten or disrupt your project.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Buy only from reputable real estate companies like Timeless Assets Limited that offer verified and litigation-free land.
✔ Ensure the land comes with proper documentation (C of O, Governor’s Consent, Registered Survey, Deed of Assignment etc.).
✔ Conduct thorough due diligence before making payment.
2. Fake Land Titles & Forged Documents
How it Works:
Some scammers sell land with fake titles or resell a property that has already been allocated to another buyer. You make payment, only to later discover the documents are forged or the land belongs to the government.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Verify all documents at the Lagos State Land Bureau or the appropriate authorities before making payment.
✔ Work with trusted real estate firms like Timeless Assets Limited, who ensure all properties are legally acquired and verified.
✔ Always get a registered lawyer & a surveyor to review your land documents.
3. Buying ‘Government Land’ Without Knowing
How it Works:
Some land is under government acquisition (reserved for future projects like roads, housing schemes, or industrial zones). Fraudsters sell these lands at cheap prices, and after some years, the government reclaims them, leaving buyers with nothing.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Confirm the land’s status at the Land Bureau before making any commitment.
✔ Ensure you buy properties that have a C of O, Gazette, a Registered Survey, a Deed of Assignment or Governor’s Consent.
✔ Avoid ‘too-good-to-be-true’ cheap lands without valid titles.
4. Paying Without Proper Agreements (No Receipt, No Contract!)
How it Works:
Some buyers transfer money to agents or ‘sellers’ without getting a purchase agreement, receipt, or contract of sale. Later, the seller disappears, denies the transaction, or sells the land to multiple buyers.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Always insist on a contract of sale and a legally binding purchase agreement.
✔ Ensure all payments are acknowledged with official receipts.
✔ Work with a reputable real estate firm that provides clear and secure transaction records.
5. Uncompleted or Unverified Estate Projects
How it Works:
Some fraudulent developers launch estates that never get completed. After collecting money from buyers, they abandon the project, leaving investors stranded with no land or housing.
How to Avoid It:
✔ Invest in credible real estate companies with a proven track record (like Timeless Assets Limited).
✔ Visit the project physically or send a representative and inspect the level of development.
✔ Read reviews and ask for references from past buyers.
Real estate is a goldmine, but only if you invest wisely. Many people lose their hard-earned money by falling for these common scams, but you don’t have to be one of them.
At Timeless Assets Limited, we are committed to helping investors—both in Nigeria and the diaspora—secure verified, stress-free, and affordable properties with full documentation.
📞 Ready to invest safely? Contact Timeless Assets Limited today and let’s help you own your dream property—without fear of scams.