Check before you pay

Do not pay anything until you have checked for yourself what you are being offered, on the official websites below or in person. Be wary of urgency, of prices or returns that look too good, and of requests to pay into a personal account or by money transfer. Pay in a traceable way (bank transfer, notary), keep a copy of every document and every receipt, and if you are far away, have a trusted person holding a power of attorney check on the spot.

Notary: check that they are registered with the country's chamber or order of notaries. For a property purchase, having the deed drawn up by a notary means the title is checked before signing.

Land or housing: the Directorate General of State Domains and Property has set up an online platform for verifying land documents, and an extract of authenticity printed by the notary is now compulsory for any transfer of ownership. Have the title checked before paying anything: a copy handed over by the seller is not enough.

Bank, microfinance, e-money or money transfer: check on the central bank's website that the institution is licensed. Taking deposits from the public without a licence is prohibited: a promise of high interest on a deposit is a warning sign.

This country does not apply the Apostille Convention (Hague Conference): to be recognised there, a foreign public document must generally be legalised, by the authorities of the issuing country and then by the competent consulate. Ask the consulate before starting the procedure.