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Spotting a scam listing on Habivista

Eight tells we use internally — price too low, agent reluctant to view, payment requested before any meeting.

1 min read·Updated 10 May 2026

Habivista verifies listings, but no platform catches everything immediately. Here's our internal checklist for spotting a scam before you part with money.

The eight signals

  1. Price visibly below market. A 4-bed in East Legon at "GHS 1,200/mo" is bait. Check the neighbourhood comparables.
  2. Agent refuses an in-person viewing. "I'm abroad, send the deposit and my brother will hand over keys" is the classic.
  3. Payment requested before viewing or contract. Habivista verified agents never ask for advance rent before a signed tenancy or sale agreement.
  4. Pressure to "move fast" with vague reasons. "Three other people are viewing today" without dates is theatre.
  5. Photos look stock or reused. Reverse-image search a photo or two — if it shows up on a UK or US property site, it's stolen.
  6. Agent has no Ghana Card on file. Check the agent profile — verified agents show a green badge.
  7. Communication only via WhatsApp / SMS. Verified agents respond inside Habivista's lead inbox; you can always see the message history.
  8. Agreement that's two pages, no clauses. Real Ghanaian tenancy and sale agreements run 6–15 pages with stamping requirements.

What to do if you spot one

  • Don't engage further.
  • Click the "Report" button on the listing — this routes straight to our trust team.
  • If you've already paid, contact your bank within 24 hours and file a fraud report at the nearest police station. Habivista support can help with the paperwork.

More

See the full guide: /help/how-to-avoid-rental-scams-in-ghana.