Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a strong warning to the public following a surge in online scams where fraudsters impersonate the agency to conduct fake vehicle auctions and other fraudulent schemes. Authorities emphasised that these deceptive activities have no connection to the NCS and are intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the NCS, fraudulent accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter) have been circulating, falsely claiming to conduct vehicle auctions on behalf of the agency. Images of serving Customs officers are being used without consent to give the impression of legitimacy. The Service clarified that it does not auction vehicles through social media and that any such claims should be treated as fraudulent.
The NCS highlighted that legitimate auctions of seized or excess goods are conducted exclusively through official government channels, including its designated website and verified social media accounts. Members of the public are strongly advised not to make payments, share personal or financial information, or engage with unsolicited auction offers. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious accounts or communications immediately to Customs authorities or the nearest law enforcement office.
This warning follows a pattern of similar scams that have been reported over the past several years, exploiting public interest in imported vehicles and official auctions. Fraudsters often create highly convincing fake accounts, using official logos, images, and language to mislead the public into making advance payments or divulging personal information. In some cases, victims have lost significant sums after responding to these fake auction advertisements.
Authorities noted that these impersonation tactics have become increasingly sophisticated, with some accounts hosting videos, posts, and messaging that mimic official Customs communication. Despite this, the NCS reaffirmed that it never solicits funds, banking details, or personal information through unofficial channels. All official communication and announcements are disseminated only through verified accounts and the government’s auction portal.
The NCS reiterated the importance of public vigilance, urging citizens to verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from the agency. By relying solely on official channels, Nigerians can avoid falling victim to these scams. The Service also advised that any suspicious activity should be reported promptly to prevent further fraudulent operations and to aid law enforcement in tracking down the perpetrators.
This advisory forms part of broader efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat digital fraud, including fake recruitment drives, phishing, and impersonation of government agencies. The NCS continues to emphasise that public cooperation, awareness, and adherence to official communication channels are essential to curbing the impact of such scams and protecting citizens from financial and personal harm.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments