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Customs Cautions Nigerians Against WhatsApp Auction Scam
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudsters circulating fake WhatsApp messages advertising non-existent e-auction sales and “quick purchase” opportunities allegedly linked to the Service.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the NCS said it had uncovered a WhatsApp number — +234 814 732 3739 — impersonating its officials and deceiving unsuspecting citizens with claims of representing the Customs Service in vehicle and goods auctions.
“Please be informed that this number does NOT belong to the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service. The messages and posts circulating from this number are FAKE and fraudulent,” the statement read.
The Service clarified that the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, operates only one verified Facebook account — Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada (with a blue verification tick) — and one official WhatsApp contact, which is not the number being used by the scammers.
It emphasized that there is no ongoing auction via WhatsApp, adding that no individual officer is authorized to conduct or facilitate Customs e-auctions through private messaging or social media.
The NCS urged Nigerians to exercise caution, ignore and block such fraudulent contacts, and avoid sending money or sharing personal details with anyone claiming to represent the Service via WhatsApp or other unofficial channels.
“Please stay alert, verify before you trust, and share this message widely to protect others from falling victim to these scams,” the Service advised.
It further encouraged members of the public to follow only the Service’s verified social media handles and official website for authentic updates:
Facebook: Nigeria Customs Service
Instagram: @customsng
X (Twitter): @CustomsNG
YouTube: @customsng
Website: www.customs.gov.ng
The Service also appealed to Nigerians to report suspicious messages and impersonation attempts to law enforcement authorities immediately
