The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned the public about fake car auction scams spreading on social media. The agency said fraudsters are now pretending to be Customs officials to deceive people and collect money from unsuspecting victims across the country.
This warning followed the discovery of a fake social media account advertising cheap vehicles, falsely claiming they were from official Customs auctions. Many of the posts display attractive prices and urgent offers to pressure people into making quick decisions without proper verification.
The NCS explained that these claims are completely false and have no connection with the agency. It also clarified that the officer whose image is being used in the viral posts is not involved in any car sales and is also a victim of impersonation.
According to Customs, the fake account is using misleading information and stolen images to appear real. Victims are often asked to pay deposits or full amounts for vehicles that do not exist, making it difficult to recover their money once payment is made.
Investigations showed that the fake Instagram account, named “J.O ATTAH AUTOS” with the handle @nigeriacustom001, presents itself as an authorised dealer of auctioned vehicles. The page advertises different cars, including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Camry, and Range Rover, at very low prices to attract attention and gain trust.
However, the NCS has clearly identified the account as fraudulent and placed a strong warning against it. The agency stressed that it does not sell vehicles through personal social media accounts.
The Service advised Nigerians to avoid making payments to unverified individuals or platforms and to always confirm information through official Customs channels.
It also urged members of the public to report suspicious accounts immediately, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency and protecting citizens from fraud.
