Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sounded a heightened alert after uncovering a sophisticated online fraud scheme in which criminals are impersonating the agency to run fake vehicle auctions on social media, drawing in unsuspecting members of the public with the promise of discounted seized cars and lucrative deals. The warning comes as part of an escalating pattern of digital impersonation and financial fraud that has increasingly targeted government institutions and citizens across the country.
In a statement published on Monday in Abuja, the NCS disassociated itself from an Instagram account operating under the name “J.O. Attah Autos” with the handle @nigeriacustoms001, which has been advertising what it describes as customs-facilitated vehicle auctions. The page featured pictures of assorted vehicles alongside purported sale prices and a phone number to contact, lending an illusion of legitimacy that officials say is calculated to deceive potential buyers.
“The NCS wishes to state clearly that this claim is false and did not originate from the Service,” said NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, underscoring that the account’s activities are fraudulent and do not reflect any official customs procedures. The Service also clarified that the image of a Customs officer used as the profile picture on the fake account belongs to an individual who has no involvement in any car sales on social media.
Authorities pointed out that the fraudsters are employing images and insignia associated with the NCS to lend credibility to their posts, a tactic that plays on public trust and the popularity of government-linked auctions to entice victims. “The officer whose image is being used is not involved in any car sales on social media, and the account is an act of impersonation intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement added, urging citizens to disregard all associated messages and to report the account for appropriate action.
The public warning issued by the NCS comes amid a broader surge in impersonation scams where fraudsters mimic the logos, identities, and communication styles of official bodies to trick people into parting with money or sensitive personal information. Digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp have become fertile ground for such schemes, as unscrupulous actors leverage user trust and the viral nature of social media to amplify their reach.
Vehicle auctions remain a genuine and longstanding component of the NCS’s operations, forming part of its mandate to dispose of seized, unclaimed or duty-unpaid goods in a transparent manner. Those legitimate auctions are conducted through official platforms such as the NCS e-auction portal, which requires bidders to register, provide valid identification and participate in scheduled online bidding processes. The agency has reiterated that all such auctions are conducted in line with established procedures and never through unsolicited social media platforms or private accounts.
In a statement on its e-auction site, the NCS emphasizes that it will never ask bidders to send payment for winning bids to personal bank accounts, nor require any form of gratification or unofficial fees to secure participation — clear red flags frequently associated with fraudulent schemes. Official communications regarding auctions are disseminated exclusively through verified channels, and payments for legitimate transactions are processed via designated gateways.
The warning from Customs also highlights the broader consequences of falling prey to such scams. Victims can suffer significant financial losses, but the damage extends beyond individual harm, undermining public confidence in institutional processes and eroding trust in digital engagement with government services. Cybercriminals behind these schemes often disappear with funds once initial payments are made, making recovery difficult and complicating efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
This latest incident is not isolated. Investigative reviews of social media platforms in recent years have documented numerous fake auction pages and groups falsely linked to the NCS, underscoring how pervasive and persistent this form of fraud has become. Some of these pages have attracted significant interactions, with posts promoting deeply discounted vehicles and other goods, signaling the willingness of fraudsters to exploit high public interest in affordable vehicles and seized assets.
NCS authorities are urging Nigerians to adopt a cautious approach when interacting with online platforms that claim to represent official auctions or government activities. Members of the public are advised to verify any auction announcements or related promotional content through the NCS’s official website or verified social media handles before engaging or making payments. They are also encouraged to report suspicious pages or accounts to digital platform administrators and law enforcement bodies for further investigation.
The Customs Service’s alert contributes to ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from financial exploitation. As technological adoption continues to grow rapidly, so too do opportunities for cybercriminal activity. Government agencies, including the NCS, are increasingly emphasizing digital literacy and vigilance among citizens to help mitigate risks associated with fraudulent online schemes.
Highlighting the importance of official communication channels, the NCS reiterated that auctions of seized items, including vehicles, are managed only through authorized mechanisms — never through informal social media pages or unverified platforms. This structured approach, officials say, is designed to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in the disposal of government-held assets.
In closing, the agency’s communication urges the public to remain vigilant and to prioritize information and transactions through legitimate, verifiable channels. By doing so, Nigerians can protect themselves against evolving scams and fraudulent actors who seek to capitalize on digital mediums to perpetrate deception and financial crime.
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