by primelistingsgh 
Introduction:
The Ghana property market is growing rapidly, and while this presents a wealth of opportunities, it also comes with its share of risks. One of the most significant threats is property scams—fraudulent activities designed to trick buyers and renters into losing money or property.
Whether you’re looking to buy property in Ghana for investment, personal use, or rental, knowing how to spot and avoid scams is crucial to protect your investment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through common property scams in Ghana, how to identify red flags, and proven tips for avoiding them.
🚩 1. Fake Ownership and Title Fraud
Fake ownership is one of the most common types of property scam in Ghana. Scammers may claim to own a property and offer it for sale, only to disappear after taking your money. This scam often involves forged or fraudulent title deeds.
➡️ How to spot it:
- The seller may not have original title documents or provide vague details about property ownership.
- Title deed may appear poorly printed or tampered with.
- The price may seem unusually low for the property’s location or value.
➡️ How to avoid it:
- Verify property ownership at the Lands Commission and cross-check with the original owner, if possible.
- Make sure the seller provides original title documents and not photocopies.
- Work with qualified legal professionals who can assist in the title verification process.
🚩 2. Double Selling of Properties
In Ghana, double selling is a widespread issue where a property is sold to multiple buyers. This happens when an agent or seller illegally sells the same property to different people, often without the buyer’s knowledge.
➡️ How to spot it:
- The seller may rush you to make an offer or skip some of the normal verification processes.
- If the property has been on the market for a long time, be cautious—there may be an undisclosed reason.
- When you request a viewing, there may be difficulties in getting the seller or agent to meet in person.
➡️ How to avoid it:
- Always work with a licensed real estate agent or agency to avoid fraud.
- Confirm that the property isn’t already listed with other agents or platforms.
- Cross-reference the property’s details through official platforms like PrimeListingsGH.com, where listings are manually verified.
🚩 3. Unverified or Fake Listings
In some cases, fraudulent listings appear on various websites or social media platforms, with scammers posing as sellers or agents. These listings typically include images of properties that aren’t actually available for sale.
➡️ How to spot it:
- The listing offers a great deal on a property that seems too good to be true, often with low prices for highly sought-after areas.
- The listing includes stock photos instead of real images of the property.
- The agent is unwilling to meet in person or show the property on-site.
➡️ How to avoid it:
- Always verify listings by checking the legitimacy of the property on reliable platforms like PrimeListingsGH.com, which verify all sellers.
- Be cautious of sellers who pressure you into making quick decisions or deposits.
- Make sure you meet the seller or agent in person and view the property before signing anything.
🚩 4. Non-Existent Agents or Brokers
Another scam involves fake agents who don’t actually represent the property they claim to sell. They may ask for a deposit or fee upfront to “secure” the property, then disappear once the payment is made.
➡️ How to spot it:
- The agent or broker has no professional credentials or an established track record.
- The agent asks for a large advance payment for a property viewing or processing fees before seeing the house.
- The agent avoids using formal contracts and works only through phone calls or text messages.
➡️ How to avoid it:
- Always verify an agent’s license and registration with the Ghana Real Estate Association or local authorities.
- Ensure the agent works through a reputable company or platform like PrimeListingsGH.com, which connects you with verified professionals.
- Never pay large sums in advance without a formal agreement or written contract.
🚩 5. Phony Rental Listings
Renting property can also be a minefield, with scammers using attractive rental listings to trick you into paying deposits for properties that don’t exist or are already rented out.
➡️ How to spot it:
- The rental price is unusually low for the area or property type.
- The landlord or agent pushes you to pay a deposit or advance rent without providing a formal agreement.
- The landlord insists on transactions via cash or mobile money without documentation.
➡️ How to avoid it:
- Never pay any deposit without seeing the property in person.
- Ensure that all rental agreements are signed in person, and always ask for a receipt for any money paid.
- Use verified rental listings on trusted platforms to ensure you’re dealing with legitimate landlords.
🛑 Tips to Avoid Property Scams in Ghana
- Work with a trusted platform: Platforms like PrimeListingsGH.com provide verified listings and trustworthy sellers.
- Hire a professional: Engage a real estate lawyer to review contracts and verify ownership.
- Visit the property in person: Always schedule a viewing of the property before committing to any payments.
- Do due diligence: Cross-check the seller’s identity, property documents, and any relevant information.
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true: Scammers often lure victims with unrealistically low prices.
- Use secure payment methods: Avoid cash transactions and mobile money payments without proper documentation.
✅ Conclusion: Protect Yourself from Property Scams in Ghana
While the Ghana property market offers many exciting opportunities, fraudulent activity remains a serious issue. By taking the right precautions, you can avoid property scams and ensure your investment is safe.
At PrimeListingsGH.com, we provide a secure, transparent marketplace for both buyers and sellers. All of our listings are verified to ensure that you’re dealing with legitimate property owners and agents.
If you ever have concerns about a property or transaction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
📞 Have Questions or Concerns?
If you’re unsure about a listing or need guidance on how to verify a property, feel free to contact us at services@primelistingsgh.com.
💻 Visit PrimeListingsGH.com for trusted, verified listings today!
