As the short-let and Airbnb market in Nigeria grows, so do scams. Every year, travelers — especially diaspora Nigerians — lose money to fake apartment listings. But here’s the good news: Scams follow patterns. And once you know the patterns, you can avoid them. Let’s break it down. 1️⃣ The “Too Good to Be True” Listing This is the most common scam. You’ll see: Luxury apartment Prime location (VI, Ikoyi, Maitama) Extremely low price Urgent “last unit available” message Red flag 🚩: The price is far below market average. If a luxury apartment in VI averages ₦120k per night and someone lists it for ₦40k — pause. Scammers use cheap prices to trigger urgency. 2️⃣ Pressure to Pay Quickly Scammers often say: “Many people are interested.” “Pay now to secure.” “Transfer immediately or lose it.” They create artificial pressure. Legitimate hosts give you time to confirm details. Never let urgency override verification. 3️⃣ Off-Platform Payments A major warning sign: The host asks you to leave the booking platform and: Pay directly via transfer Send money to a personal account Use crypto or unusual payment methods. Why? Because once you pay outside a secure platform, you lose protection. Always use: Verified company accounts Secure booking platforms Documented transactions 4️⃣ Refusal to Provide Video or Updated Photos If a host refuses: Live video call Recent video walkthrough Updated photos That’s suspicious. Most legitimate hosts can easily provide current visuals. Scammers often use stolen images from real listings. 5️⃣ No Physical Address Provided If they: Avoid sharing exact location Say “I’ll send address after payment” Give vague directions That’s a red flag. You should know the neighborhood before paying. 6️⃣ Fake Reviews & Social Media Pages Some scammers create: Fake Instagram pages Bought followers Stolen testimonials Check: How long the page has existed Real engagement (comments from real accounts) Consistent posting history New page + 10k followers + no real interaction = suspicious. 7️⃣ How to Protect Yourself in 2026 Here’s your protection checklist: ✔ Compare prices with market average ✔ Ask for updated videos ✔ Confirm exact location ✔ Use secure payment methods ✔ Avoid rushed decisions ✔ Book through verified agencies And most importantly: ✔ Keep all conversations documented. Why Diaspora Travelers Are Targeted Scammers often target: Nigerians abroad First-time visitors People booking for December holidays Because they assume: You’re not physically present You’re unfamiliar with local pricing You’re in a hurry That’s why awareness is power. Why Trusted Platforms Matter When you book through a verified agency like Akoma.africa, you benefit from: ✔ Curated listings ✔ Transparent pricing ✔ Verified hosts ✔ Clear communication ✔ Reduced scam risk Safety isn’t optional — it’s essential. Final Thoughts Short-let apartments in Nigeria are amazing options — flexible, stylish, and comfortable. But like any growing industry, there are risks. The smartest traveler in 2026 is not the one who moves fastest. It’s the one who verifies first.