Nigeria Customs Warns of Fraudulent Instagram Vehicle Auction Account

Nigerian Customs Service Warns Public of Fraudulent Vehicle Auction Scheme

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued an urgent alert regarding a fraudulent Instagram account operating under the name “J.O Attah Autos” that falsely claims affiliation with the federal agency. The account has been targeting unsuspecting Nigerians with fake vehicle auction offers that appear to be official government sales.

In a statement released Monday in Abuja, NCS Spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada identified the Instagram account using the handle @nigeriacustoms001 as a sophisticated scam. The page displays images of vehicles allegedly available at discounted prices, accompanied by contact phone numbers for interested buyers.

“The NCS wishes to state clearly that this claim is false and did not originate from the service,” Maiwada emphasized. “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 scheme operates by displaying what appear to be government-seized or auction vehicles at below-market prices, creating a false sense of legitimacy by using the identity of an actual customs officer as its profile picture. This tactic is designed to build trust with potential victims before requesting payment.

Such scams have become increasingly common across Nigeria as economic pressures have made discounted vehicle offers particularly attractive to consumers. Vehicle prices have risen sharply in the country following currency devaluation and import restrictions, making legitimate automobile purchases increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.

Law enforcement agencies have noted a rise in similar government impersonation schemes across multiple sectors. These frauds typically exploit the public’s trust in government institutions and the appeal of obtaining goods at significant discounts through official auctions of seized or abandoned property.

The NCS has strongly advised the public to exercise extreme caution and to verify any purported customs auctions through official channels. “Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard such messages, refrain from making any payments, and report the account for further action,” the spokesperson stated.

The Customs Service reminded citizens that legitimate information about any official auctions or sales would only be communicated through verified NCS channels, including their official website and properly authenticated social media accounts.

Cybersecurity experts note that government impersonation scams have evolved significantly in recent years, with criminals creating increasingly convincing fake profiles that mimic official government communications. Social media platforms have struggled to keep pace with these sophisticated impersonation tactics despite efforts to verify government accounts.

The NCS has not disclosed whether any individuals have already fallen victim to this particular scam or the estimated financial losses involved. However, similar schemes in Nigeria have been known to defraud victims of millions of naira.

The agency has encouraged anyone who has encountered this fraudulent account to report it to both Instagram and local authorities to help prevent further victimization. The Customs Service is also reportedly working with cybercrime units to track the perpetrators behind the scheme.

Citizens seeking legitimate information about customs auctions are directed to consult only the official NCS website and verified social media channels for accurate details about any official sales or public notices.