Your safety is paramount. While Properti Nigeria facilitates connections, the responsibility for personal safety during offline interactions rests with you. Please follow these guidelines for safe inspections and communications.

Before the Inspection

• Verify the Vendor: Always check the vendor’s profile for the “Verified” badge. Review their ratings and listing history. A verified profile is the first safety filter.

• Communicate on Platform First: Use the contact features within the inspection card or platform messaging for initial coordination. Avoid moving to personal WhatsApp or SMS until you are comfortable.

• Share Your Plans: Inform a friend or family member of your inspection plans: the property address, vendor’s name, and the scheduled time. Arrange to check in with them after the viewing.

• Daytime Meetings: Whenever possible, schedule inspections during daylight hours.

• Meet in Public First (Optional): For extra caution, especially with high-value properties, you could suggest meeting the agent at their verified office or a public café near the property before proceeding to the site.

During the Inspection

• Do Not Go Alone: Bring a friend, family member, or colleague with you. There is safety in numbers.

• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong about the property, the situation, or the vendor’s behavior, politely cut the inspection short and leave.

• Keep Personal Details Private: You are there to view the property. There is no need to disclose detailed personal financial information, your exact current address, or your daily routine during a first viewing.

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Note the entry and exit points of the property.

Financial Safety

• No Advance Payments: Never wire money, pay a “reservation fee,” or make any form of payment to a vendor before you have verified the property’s legitimacy, met the vendor in person (if possible), and are ready to sign a formal contract. Legitimate agents and owners will not pressure you for upfront payments before due diligence.

• Use Secure Payment Methods: For any legitimate transactions (agency fees, deposits), use traceable methods like bank transfers to registered company accounts, not cash or personal accounts. Always request a signed receipt.

• Verify Ownership: Before making any payment for a sale, conduct due diligence. For owners, request to see the original title documents. For agents, ask for a letter of authorization from the verified owner.

Properti Nigeria is a tool for connection, but you are the best judge of your safety. By combining our platform verification tools with your own prudent measures, you can have a productive and secure property hunting experience.