Authorities caution against counterfeit online car sale page on social media platforms

The Nigeria Customs Service has issued a warning to the public about a fake Instagram account, J. O. Attah Autos, which claims to be affiliated with the service and is running vehicle auctions.

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This account, according to the NCS, is fraudulent and has been using the image of an NCS personnel as its profile picture to deceive potential buyers.

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The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, released a statement on Monday in Abuja, cautioning the public about the fake account, which features discounted pictures of vehicles along with a phone number.

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The Instagram page in question, @nigeriacustoms001, targets unsuspecting buyers who are unaware of the scam, with the aim of defrauding them.

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Abdullahi Maiwada described the account as an act of impersonation, stressing that the claim of affiliation with the NCS is false and did not originate from the service.

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Maiwada also clarified that the officer whose image is being used on the fake account is not involved in any car sales on social media.

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The NCS has advised the public to disregard messages from the fake account, refrain from making any payments, and report the account for further action.

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According to Maiwada, the public should rely on the NCS's official communication channels, including its verified social media handles, for accurate and reliable information.