Nigerians have been urged to exercise heightened vigilance as fraudsters increasingly create fake social media accounts and websites, falsely claiming to represent the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). These impersonators are exploiting the name and credibility of the NCS to lure unsuspecting individuals into fraudulent schemes, often involving fake auctions, job offers, and import-clearance deals.
The Nigeria Customs Service has distanced itself from these criminal elements, reaffirming that all its legitimate operations and announcements are communicated through official channels only. In a statement released by the NCS Public Relations Unit, the agency warned the general public to be wary of online pages promising customs jobs, vehicle auctions, or clearance assistance in exchange for payment.
“These scammers are criminals using our name to deceive and extort,” the NCS emphasized. “We urge Nigerians not to engage with any platform or individual demanding money in exchange for customs-related services outside of our verified platforms.”
This warning comes in the wake of several reported cases where individuals have fallen victim to these fraudsters, losing significant sums of money in the process. Authorities stress that the NCS does not conduct auctions or recruitment via unofficial WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or anonymous phone numbers.
Members of the public are advised to verify any customs-related information directly through the official Nigeria Customs Service website or by visiting any of its offices nationwide. Victims of such scams are encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
As the fight against cybercrime intensifies, the NCS reiterates its commitment to transparency and calls on Nigerians to remain informed and alert, refusing to be pawns in the hands of fraudsters.
