A disturbing scam has emerged on Facebook Marketplace, where fraudsters impersonating Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers lure unsuspecting buyers with fake auction deals on seized goods, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability.
These scammers advertise items like electronics and household appliances at prices far below market value, claiming they are auctioned goods seized at border points such as the Seme Border. Victims are asked to pay a registration fee and additional charges for delivery, only to realize later that the goods never existed.
Victims report being contacted by a woman using the name Adeyemi Christiana on Facebook, who speaks in Pidgin English and reassures buyers of the availability of items. A ₦7,500 registration fee is required to join the auction. After payment, victims are further pressured by a supposed delivery driver to pay additional fees for logistics and vehicle repairs, leading to losses of up to ₦32,500 in documented cases.
The Nigeria Customs Service has repeatedly warned the public about such fraudulent schemes, emphasizing that legitimate auctions are conducted solely through their official e-Auction platform and never via social media or WhatsApp. They urge individuals to verify auction details through their website or help desk and report suspicious activities immediately.
