Lagos — With the festive season fast approaching, reports of fraudulent shortlet apartment scams targeting Nigerians in the diaspora have once again resurfaced, leaving many victims counting their losses. In one of the latest incidents, a Nigerian family living abroad has reportedly lost ₦1.3 million to a fake shortlet agent who vanished shortly after receiving payment for a supposed apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The family, who had planned to spend their much-anticipated “Detty December” holiday in Nigeria, reportedly found the agent through Instagram, where she operated a seemingly legitimate page showcasing pictures and videos of luxury shortlet apartments across upscale areas of Lagos such as Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island. The page had hundreds of followers, positive comments, and regular updates, giving it an air of authenticity.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the victims even visited the listed property to verify its existence before making payment. They reportedly met a woman posing as a housekeeper, who confirmed that the agent indeed managed the property, further convincing them of the deal’s legitimacy.
Satisfied with the arrangement, the family transferred ₦1.3 million to the agent as payment to secure the apartment for December 6, 2025. However, shortly after the payment was confirmed, the agent deactivated her Instagram accountand became completely unreachable through calls, messages, and email.
The shocking development has once again raised concerns about the rising wave of shortlet scams targeting Nigerians abroad, especially during the festive period when many return home to celebrate.
In a follow-up message reportedly sent to the real management of the apartment, one of the victims expressed deep distress, revealing that one of their guests — a non-Nigerian traveling with two friends from the UK — had requested an official receipt for visa documentation purposes.
The victim explained that upon examining the receipt she received from the agent, it became clear that it contained the scammer’s personal details rather than those of the legitimate property management company.
“He has informed me that the embassy is likely going to contact the number on the receipt to verify the authenticity of the accommodation. This is now my other major concern,” the message read in part.
The victims also alleged that the so-called housekeeper who confirmed the agent’s identity might have been part of the fraud, as it was the same person who instructed them to send payment to the fraudulent account.
Industry sources revealed that this modus operandi is common among online shortlet fraudsters. These criminals often steal photos and videos from legitimate property listings and repost them on social media pages, posing as agents or managers. They usually target Nigerians in the diaspora, offering discounted rates and urgent booking deals to lure unsuspecting victims. Once payments are made, they disappear without trace.
Security experts have urged travelers and property seekers to exercise extreme caution when making online bookings, especially during high-demand periods like December. They advised that payments should only be made through verified shortlet management firms, reputable property websites, or secure payment platforms that offer buyer
protection.Meanwhile, efforts are said to be ongoing to trace the identity of the fake agent, though it remains unclear whether the case has been formally reported to the police.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, ASP Mayegun Aminat, confirmed that such scams have become increasingly common. She recalled a similar case from the previous year where a woman lost ₦8.4 million to an online apartment scam.
“We were unable to trace the money because it was not sent through a traditional bank but via an online banking platform,” she said. “I advise Nigerians to avoid making huge payments through online banking channels, as it makes it difficult for us to track recipients.”
ASP Aminat further cautioned Nigerians, particularly those returning from abroad, to thoroughly verify property ownership before making any payments.
“As we approach another December, Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, should verify thoroughly before making any payment,” she warned.
Analysts say that unless stronger verification systems and digital accountability measures are introduced on rental and social media platforms, such fraudulent schemes are likely to increase during the festive period, putting more unsuspecting travelers at risk.
About the Author
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
