ALERT: Fraudsters promoting fake auctions, recruitment scams, says customs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned the public against fraudsters impersonating the agency on social media.

In a statement on Tuesday by Abdullahi Maiwada, national public relations officer of customs, the service said these fraudsters are promoting fake auctions and fraudulent recruitment drives.

“The attention of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been brought to escalating activities of fraudulent entities preying on unsuspecting individuals through social media platforms, falsely claiming association with the service for purposes of auctions or recruitment,” NCS said.

“These individuals exploit the public’s trust and ignorance, promoting fictitious auctions and sham recruitment drives supposedly endorsed by our service.

“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.”

According to customs, all seized or overtime goods have a laid-down standard operating procedure (SOP) for disposal in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“It is pertinent to state that the only portal for e-auction in NCS is auction.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng,” the service said.

“For authentic updates about the operations of NCS, we strongly encourage the public to verify information exclusively through the official NCS website, customs.gov.ng.

“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 agency reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the public from fraudulent activities.

It implored all Nigerians to exercise vigilance and prudence when approached with unverified offers or announcements regarding customs auctions or recruitment.

NCS said all suspicious activities should be reported to the nearest customs formation or through its official communication channels listed above for immediate assistance.