Introduction
Real estate remains one of the most valuable investments, but with its high demand comes the increasing threat of land scam and property fraud. Many unsuspecting buyers fall victim to fraudulent sellers, disputed properties, and legal battles that could cost them their hard-earned money.
At EncumberedProperties.com, our mission is to warn investors about encumbered, disputed, or non-sale properties, ensuring they make informed and safe investment decisions. In this post, we expose recent real estate fraud cases and highlight how you can protect yourself from land scammers and avoid land scam.
Case Study: Property Dispute Puts Investor at Risk
Mrs. Folashade Adesanya, a real estate investor, purchased a 4-bedroom duplex with a swimming pool and a boy’s quarter at No. 12 Adewale Crescent, off Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Ajah, Lagos.
She bought the property from Babatunde Oladipo, who claimed ownership as part of his late father’s estate. However, in a shocking turn of events, the trustees of late Oladipo’s estate have denied ever selling the property to her.
This has now escalated into a legal battle at the Lagos State High Court (Suit No. LD/3456/2024). While the dispute remains unresolved, potential buyers are advised to steer clear of the property to avoid falling victim to fraudulent resale attempts.
How to Identify and Avoid Land Scam
To prevent falling victim to similar land scam and fraud cases, here are some red flags and actionable steps you should take before buying any property:
- Verify Property Ownership and Title Documents
- Investigate the Property’s History
- Avoid Untraceable Payment methods
- Visit encumberedproperties.com to identify disputed, undisputed but not for sale and encumbered properties
Read our article about red flags in real estate investment to know how to identify and avoid property scams.
Anambra State Re-Certification: A New Hope Against Land Fraud
To combat fraudulent land sales, the Anambra State Ministry of Lands has introduced a Mandatory Land Revalidation and Recertification Program.
Purpose of the Program:
- Review and update land records
- Enhance title security
- Identify and eliminate fake land documents
Deadline: April 28, 2025
Locations: Awka, Nnewi, Idemili, Onitsha, and surrounding areas
If you are buying land in Anambra after April 28, 2025, ensure the vendor’s title documents are re-certified. If they refuse, consider it a red flag and walk away!
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Protected!
Real estate scams are on the rise, but with proper due diligence, legal verification, and awareness, you can avoid losing your money to fraudulent deals. At EncumberedProperties.com, we are committed to providing real estate red alerts and scam warnings to help you invest wisely.
Have you encountered a real estate scam? Share your experience in the comments below to help others stay informed!
At Encumbered Properties, our mission is to help you make safe and informed property investments decisions. Before you buy, always:
Verify the title deed at the local land registry;
Check the property status on EncumberedProperties.com;
Consult a real estate lawyer; and
Avoid untraceable cash transactions.
Watch the complete video of this article being extensively explained for better understanding by clicking on the video below, or visit our YouTube channel through the link below in this article to watch the educative video and many more informative piece to keep you scam free on real estate investing.
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Want to learn more? Drop your questions in the comments below, and let’s discuss how to make real estate investments safe and profitable!
This article was put together by Madueke Enwere: a property lawyer, a real estate investor, a senior police officer and by God’s grace, the founder, encumberedproperties.com