The Nigeria Customs Service has raised alarm over a surge in fraudulent vehicle auction schemes circulating on social media, warning members of the public against falling victim to impersonators posing as officials of the Service.
The alert follows the emergence of a fake account promoting discounted vehicle sales and falsely linking the activity to Customs operations, raising concerns within the maritime and port ecosystem where legitimate auction processes for seized vehicles remain a key component of cargo enforcement and revenue generation.
In a statement, the Service clarified that the claims being circulated online are entirely false and do not originate from the Nigeria Customs Service.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a fraudulent social media account currently circulating online, falsely conducting vehicle auctions,” Customs stated.
The Service further emphasised that the officer whose image is being used in the viral posts has no connection to the fraudulent activity.
“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,” it added.
Findings indicate that the fake Instagram account, operating under the name “J.O ATTAH AUTOS” with the handle @nigeriacustom001, falsely presents itself as an authorised dealer of auctioned vehicles.
The page advertises several vehicles, including foreign-used models such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Camry, and Range Rover, complete with listed prices and contact details, thereby creating a misleading impression of legitimacy.
However, the Service highlighted the fraudulent nature of the account, noting that the image shared was clearly marked with a “Scam Alert” overlay.
The Nigeria Customs Service urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with unverified platforms.
“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 read.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Service advised stakeholders and the general public to rely only on its verified communication channels for accurate information regarding auctions and other official activities.
It listed its official platforms to include Facebook (Nigeria Customs Service), Instagram (@customsng), TikTok (@customsng), Threads (@customsng), X (@customsng), and its website.
