By Our Correspondent

National News – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding fraudulent social media accounts claiming to conduct vehicle auctions.

These scams are impersonating NCS officials and aim to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians by requesting payments for non-existent car sales.

The agency emphasized that these auctions are not authorized and urged citizens to be vigilant.

The NCS, in a statement posted on its verified X account, clarified that no officer from the service is involved in selling vehicles online.

The fraudulent accounts often use images of real officers to make their scams appear authentic.

“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 statement read.

Citizens are advised to avoid making payments, report suspicious accounts, and rely only on official communication channels for accurate information.

This warning comes amid a rise in impersonation schemes targeting government agencies across Nigeria.

Scammers exploit public interest in seized or auctioned vehicles, making social media a primary platform for fraud.

Recently, the NCS also cautioned the public about misleading messages circulating online and reiterated that such claims are false.

The agency stressed the importance of verification before engaging in any transactions involving government property.

Authorities advise that anyone approached by these fake auction channels should report them immediately to the NCS.

The public is reminded to follow only verified NCS communication platforms to stay updated on genuine auctions and official announcements.

These measures aim to protect Nigerians from financial losses and curb the growing trend of online scams impersonating government institutions.