Alert: Nigeria customs exposes fake auction and recruitment scams

Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the stock market.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has cautioned the public about scammers posing as the agency on social media.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the national public relations officer, revealed this in a statement titled, "Public awareness against fraudsters impersonating Nigeria Customs Service on social media platforms."

Nigeria customs warns public of fraudsters promoting fake auctions and recruitment scams
Source: UGC

The service noted that these impostors advertise fake auctions and deceitful recruitment schemes.

Maiwada stated that fraudulent groups are targeting unsuspecting people on social media, falsely claiming to be associated with the Nigeria Customs Service for auctions and recruitment.

He mentioned that these scammers take advantage of the public's trust and lack of awareness, advertising fake auctions and bogus recruitment drives as if the service officially sanctioned them.

Maiwada said:

“The service wishes to clarify that auctions of seized/overtime goods are never conducted via any social media platform.“Any such claims on social media should be treated as fraudulent and promptly reported.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) stated that there is a standard operating procedure (SOP) for disposing of all seized or overtime goods, as outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Maiwada stressed that the sole official portal for e-auctions within the NCS is auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng. He also urged the public to verify information exclusively through the official NCS website, customs.gov.ng.

The statement added:

“Additionally, you can contact our help desk lines through – 07037891156, 0201889889, and 02018898888. You can also reach out to NCS formations nationwide.“Furthermore, our trusted official social media hubs for reliable, accurate and timely updates about NCS are as follows: Facebook: CustomsNG, X (Formerly known as Twitter): @CustomsNG, TikTok: @Nigeria_Customs, Instagram: Official_CustomsNG, Threads: Official_CustomsNG, WhatsApp Channel: Nigeria Customs Service, Youtube: NCBN Media House.”

The NCS advised that any suspicious activities be reported to the nearest customs office or through its official communication channels for prompt assistance.

Source: Legit.ng