Your Safety is Our Priority

Learn how to protect yourself from property scams in Zambia and how Peza Nyumba works to keep you safe.

Important Warning About Viewing Fees

According to the Zambia Institute of Estate Agents (ZIEA), clients should NEVER pay viewing fees for properties. Any agent or landlord demanding viewing fees before showing a property is likely attempting a scam. Peza Nyumba does not charge or endorse viewing fees.

Common Real Estate Scams in Zambia

1. Rental Scams

Scammers post fake rental listings with attractive photos and prices. They claim to be out of town and request deposits or rent payments before you've seen the property.

Warning Signs: Prices too good to be true, landlord can't meet in person, requests for wire transfers or mobile money before viewing, pressure to pay quickly.

2. Title Fraud

Criminals forge property ownership documents and sell or rent properties they don't own. They may also intercept wire transfers using fake email instructions.

Warning Signs: Seller reluctant to provide title documents, mismatched names on documents, requests to send money to unusual accounts.

3. Unlicensed Agent Fraud

Individuals posing as estate agents without proper ZIEA registration may collect fees and disappear, or show you properties they have no authority to sell or rent.

Warning Signs: Agent can't provide ZIEA registration number, no physical office, only accepts cash payments, no written agreements.

4. Multiple Listing Scam

The same property is "rented" to multiple tenants who all pay deposits, only to find others have paid for the same property.

Warning Signs: Pressure to sign immediately, reluctance to provide time for due diligence, can't verify ownership with neighbours or local council.

How to Protect Yourself

Visit the Property in Person

Never pay any money without physically viewing the property and meeting the owner or authorized agent.

Verify Agent Credentials

Ask for ZIEA registration number and verify with the Zambia Institute of Estate Agents at www.ziea.org

Verify Property Ownership

Request to see the title deed or occupancy license. You can verify ownership at the Lands and Deeds Registry.

Never Pay Viewing Fees

ZIEA advises that viewing fees are not legitimate. Walk away from anyone demanding payment to view a property.

Get Everything in Writing

Ensure all agreements, terms, and payments are documented in a written contract signed by all parties.

Trust Your Instincts

If a deal seems too good to be true or you feel pressured, step back. Legitimate sellers don't rush you.

How Peza Nyumba Protects You

Listing Verification

All listings go through our verification process before being published.

Agent Verification

We verify ZIEA credentials for estate agents using our platform.

Secure Platform

Your data is protected with encryption and secure payment processing.

Report Suspicious Listings

Easy reporting system to flag suspicious listings or users.

Report a Scam

If you've encountered a scam or suspicious activity on our platform, please report it immediately. Your reports help us protect other users and improve our security measures.

Report to Peza Nyumba

  • Email: peza-nyumba@gmail.com
  • Phone: +260 771 216 339

Include as many details as possible: listing URL, screenshots, communication records.

Report to Authorities

  • Zambia Police: Victim Support Unit
  • ZIEA: www.ziea.org
  • Financial Intelligence Centre

For financial fraud, keep all payment records and communications.

According to government reports, Zambia recorded over 1,124 online scams between 2023-2024, resulting in losses of over K38.9 million. Stay vigilant and always verify before you pay.

Source: Minister of Technology and Science, 2024