Stay safe when you buy or rent

Before you commit

• View in person, with someone you trust. Never pay for a property you haven't seen.
• Check the badge. Prefer fully verified listings, and ask about any document marked pending or missing.
• Match the documents to the seller. The name on the C of O or deed should be the lister, or the lister should hold a letter of authority from that person.
• Search the title. Have your lawyer run a search at the state Lands Registry and confirm the survey plan with the Surveyor-General's office.
• Talk to neighbours. Ask who owns the property and whether anyone else has laid claim to it.

Red flags

• Pressure to pay today to “beat other buyers”.
• A price far below similar properties in the area.
• Requests to pay into a personal account, in cash, or through gift cards or crypto.
• Anyone who wants to move the conversation to WhatsApp, Telegram or a phone call before an invoice exists.
• Refusal to show documents, or to meet at the property.

How Bricks & Click protects you

• Listers are identity-verified before they can publish.
• Phone numbers, e-mail addresses and links are hidden in chat until an invoice is issued.
• Exact addresses are shown only to people with a confirmed viewing, and every access to documents is recorded.
• You can report any message, conversation or listing with one tap. Our team reviews every report.

Something feels wrong?

Use the Report button on the listing or conversation. If you've already paid someone, contact your bank immediately and report it to the Nigeria Police Force or the EFCC.