The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a warning to Nigerians about a fake social media account falsely conducting vehicle auctions. The Service clarified that the account, which claims to sell seized vehicles online, has no connection with the NCS and is being used by fraudsters to scam the public.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Monday, the NCS said, “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 Service also urged the public to disregard messages from the fake account, avoid making payments, and report the account to the authorities. “Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard such messages, refrain from making any payments, and report the account for further action,” the statement added.
This alert comes amid an increase in cases of impersonation targeting government agencies in Nigeria. Scammers often exploit public interest in seized or auctioned vehicles, using fake social media accounts to lure unsuspecting victims. These fraudsters typically ask for advance payments or personal information, only to disappear once the money is sent.
Vehicle auctions have been a popular topic in Nigeria because seized or forfeited cars are often sold at relatively lower prices. Unfortunately, this has made them a target for online fraud. Over the past few years, several Nigerians have reported losing money after responding to messages that appeared to come from legitimate government agencies, including the NCS and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The NCS reiterated that all information regarding seized or auctioned vehicles is officially communicated through its verified channels. Citizens are advised to confirm any announcement by checking the NCS website or contacting official NCS offices before making any transactions.
According to the Service, fraudsters sometimes use real photographs of officers or official logos to make their schemes appear authentic. These impersonators often create fake profiles on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, offering vehicles at attractive prices to tempt buyers.
Speaking on the issue, a public relations officer at the NCS said, “We have observed a rise in social media scams where criminals impersonate our officers to defraud members of the public. Nigerians should always verify information through our official channels and never make payments based on social media posts.”
The NCS advised anyone who receives suspicious messages or comes across suspicious accounts to report them immediately. Quick reporting helps the Service take action against the perpetrators and prevent more people from falling victim.
In Nigeria, government agencies like the NCS conduct vehicle auctions as part of their revenue collection and enforcement activities. Vehicles seized for various reasons—ranging from unpaid duties to involvement in criminal activity—are sold at public auctions. These auctions are usually announced well in advance, and interested buyers are invited to participate through verified channels.
Despite these official processes, fraudsters have found ways to exploit public interest by posting fake auction notices on social media. These scams not only result in financial losses for unsuspecting citizens but also damage public trust in legitimate government activities.
The NCS has also encouraged Nigerians to stay vigilant online, particularly when dealing with transactions involving large sums of money. They urged people to look out for signs of impersonation, such as requests for upfront payments, unofficial communication channels, or profiles with limited online activity history.