What to Do If You Get Scammed on a Nigerian Marketplace
Act fast — within 24 hours, you have the best chance of recovery.
Step 1: Report to the Platform
Report the listing or user immediately. Include screenshots of the chat, the account details, and the payment.
Step 2: Contact Your Bank
Call your bank's fraud line within 24 hours. Give them:
- Transaction reference
- Amount
- Recipient's bank account and name
- Reason (fraud)
If the scammer hasn't withdrawn the money yet, the bank can freeze the receiving account.
Step 3: File a Police Report
Go to the nearest police station. Request a written report — you'll need it for the bank and any legal action.
Step 4: Report to EFCC
If amount is over ₦1,000,000, report to EFCC online or at their nearest zonal office.
Step 5: Warn Others
Post the scam details on SellersDotNG, Facebook groups, Twitter, and Nairaland. Your warning saves others.
Step 6: Learn and Move On
- Never pay advance again
- Always use chat on the platform
- Meet in public places
- Verify the seller's identity
Time Matters
The first 24-48 hours are critical. Every hour you wait, the scammer's money moves further away.