Tax Scams in Lagos Real Estate: How Not to Pay Rent to ‘Uncle Government Twice’
If there’s one thing Lagosians fear more than traffic, it’s taxes. And in real estate, taxes can be as tricky as navigating Third Mainland Bridge on a rainy Friday. Worse still, scammers have turned tax ignorance into a money-printing machine.
Common Real Estate Tax Scams in Lagos
- Double Taxation Trick – Unsuspecting buyers end up paying taxes twice, once to shady “agents” and again to the government.
- Fake Tax Receipts – Forged documents that look more official than a government gazette.
- Phantom Levies – Imagine paying “solar energy levy” for a plot that doesn’t even have electricity poles nearby.
How to Avoid Falling Victim
- Work with Trusted Realtors: Don’t believe every “oga” in native attire waving documents.
- Verify With Lagos IRS: Always confirm payment channels and receipts.
- Keep Records: Store every receipt, email, and contract. Scammers hate paper trails.
Lagos Humor in Taxes
In Lagos, people joke that “tax is like jollof rice—you’ll still pay for it even if you didn’t order.” But in real estate, paying twice can burn deeper than pepper in your stew.
Conclusion
Don’t let “Uncle Government” or street scammers collect double rent from your pocket. Stay sharp, verify your taxes, and remember: real estate wealth is built on documents, not drama.
