Anti-Fraud & Scam Prevention Guidelines
Zero-Tolerance Real Estate Fraud Defense
Real estate fraud harms families and tarnishes the property industry. Read this essential safety guide before transferring any deposit or signing contracts in Kenya.
1. Common Real Estate Scams in Kenya
The "Urgent Viewing Fee" Scam
A fake advertiser posts an appealing apartment, asks you for KES 1,000–3,000 via M-Pesa to "fuel the car" or "hold the key," and disappears immediately after receiving the payment. RULE: NEVER PAY A VIEWING FEE.
The "Owner Travelling Abroad" Scam
The fraudster claims they have relocated to the UK/US, cannot meet you in person, and will courier keys once you send a security deposit. This is a 100% scam.
The Fake Land Title Deed Scam
Forged title deeds presented on vacant land by individuals who do not own the parcel. Always conduct an official search through ArdhiSasa before paying any deposit.
The "Too Good to Be True" Price Bait
Luxurious modern 2-bedroom furnished apartments in Kilimani or Westlands advertised at KES 20,000. Scammers use unrealistically low prices to create urgency.
2. The 5 Golden Rules of Safe Property Searching
- Physical Inspection is Mandatory: Never transfer any money until you have physically visited the property, met the agent/landlord, and inspected the exact unit with your own eyes.
- Look for the Verified Agent Badge: Prefer listings displayed with the green Verified Agent badge, which confirms verified identity and phone number.
- Traceable Payments Only: Make rental and deposit payments only through traceable corporate bank accounts, registered law firm client accounts, or official M-Pesa Paybill numbers registered to the property management firm. Never send funds to random individual phone numbers.
- Require Written Tenancy & Purchase Agreements: Insist on a formal written lease agreement signed by the landlord or an advocate before handing over deposits.
- Verify Title Deeds on ArdhiSasa: When purchasing land, plots, or sectional title apartments, engage an Advocate of the High Court to conduct an official digital search on the government ArdhiSasa portal.
3. How to Report Suspicious Listings
If you encounter a suspicious listing, an agent demanding viewing fees, or a fraudulent advertisement, take immediate action:
- Click the "Report Listing" button located on every listing details page.
- Send an urgent email with screenshots and phone numbers to our Rapid Response Fraud Team: alert@newhome.co.ke.
- For criminal fraud cases, report directly to the nearest Police Station or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Mazingira Complex, Kiambu Road, Nairobi.