Common Online Marketplace Scams in Nigeria and How to Avoid Them
Buying and selling online has become a big part of daily life in Nigeria. Whether you are looking for a smartphone, clothing, household items, or groceries, the convenience of shopping from your phone or computer is hard to beat. But as more people turn to digital platforms to trade, scammers have also found ways to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers and sellers.
This guide breaks down the most common scams happening on online marketplaces today and what you can do to protect yourself.
Why Online Marketplace Scams Are Common in Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing internet user bases in Africa, with millions of people shopping and selling online daily. While this creates great opportunities for businesses and consumers, it also attracts fraudsters who exploit gaps in trust, payment systems, and product verification.
Many people lose money not because they are careless, but because scammers are becoming more organised and convincing. Understanding how these scams work is your first line of defence.
1. Fake Product Listings
This is one of the most common scams on any online marketplace. A seller lists a product — usually a phone, laptop, or designer item — at a price that seems too good to be true. Once payment is made, either the item never arrives, or something completely different is delivered.
How to avoid it:
- Always check the seller's profile, ratings, and reviews before buying.
- Be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than the market rate.
- Use platforms that offer buyer protection or escrow payment options.
- Request additional product photos or a short video before paying.
2. Advance Payment Fraud ("Pay Before Delivery" Scam)
A scammer poses as a seller and insists on full payment upfront before shipping the item. Once they receive the money, they block the buyer or disappear entirely. This is especially common for big-ticket items like cars, generators, and electronics.
How to avoid it:
- Avoid making full payment to unknown sellers you have not verified.
- Use platforms that hold payment until the buyer confirms delivery.
- Prefer cash on delivery options where available.
- Meet the seller in a safe, public place for high-value items.
3. Fake Buyer Scams (Targeting Sellers)
Scams do not only target buyers. Sellers are also at risk. A common trick is when a so-called buyer sends a fake bank alert or payment screenshot. The seller, believing the payment has been made, releases the goods — only to discover the money never actually arrived.
How to avoid it:
- Always log in to your bank app or check your SMS to confirm a payment before releasing any item.
- Do not rely on screenshots or forwarded alerts as proof of payment.
- Wait for the funds to appear in your account before handover.
4. Overpayment Scam
Here, a buyer "accidentally" sends more money than the agreed price and asks the seller to refund the excess. The original payment later bounces or is reversed, leaving the seller at a loss.
How to avoid it:
- Never refund money before it fully clears in your account.
- Contact your bank to verify any unusual or large payments.
- Be suspicious of buyers who send more than the agreed amount without explanation.
5. Phishing and Account Takeover
Some scammers send fake emails or messages pretending to be from a popular online marketplace in Nigeria. They ask you to click a link and enter your login details, which they then use to access your account, steal personal information, or make unauthorised transactions.
How to avoid it:
- Never click on suspicious links in emails or text messages.
- Always type the platform's web address directly into your browser.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your marketplace account.
- Do not share your login details with anyone, including people claiming to be platform support.
6. Rental and Real Estate Fraud
Fraudsters post attractive property listings at very low rates. They may even conduct a fake virtual tour. After collecting a deposit or reservation fee, they vanish. This has become a serious problem on many property listing platforms.
How to avoid it:
- Always insist on a physical inspection of the property before making any payment.
- Verify the identity of the landlord or agent through official documents.
- Avoid platforms that have no identity verification for property listers.
7. Vehicle and Heavy Machinery Scams
A seller lists a car, truck, or generator at a suspiciously low price. They may claim the item is being sold urgently due to relocation or financial reasons. Once a deposit is paid, communication stops.
How to avoid it:
- Inspect the vehicle physically before any payment.
- Verify the vehicle's ownership documents and chassis number.
- Use a trusted third party or agent for high-value purchases.
General Tips to Stay Safe on Any Online Marketplace
No matter what you are buying or selling, these habits will keep you safer:
- Only use trusted and verified platforms with a track record of security.
- Check the platform's buyer and seller protection policies.
- Report suspicious listings or accounts immediately.
- Keep all communication within the platform — avoid moving conversations to WhatsApp or email early on.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
The Role of Trustworthy Platforms
One reason scams thrive is the lack of proper buyer-seller verification on some platforms. A well-structured online marketplace should have verified seller profiles, secure payment options, and responsive customer support to handle disputes. When choosing where to trade, always look for platforms that prioritise user safety and trust.
Platforms like Riba-X, which operate as a social-commerce community, aim to bridge trust gaps by connecting buyers and sellers through community-based interactions. Using a verified online marketplace in Nigeria that has built-in protections is always a better choice than trading on random social media groups or unverified websites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I know if a seller is trustworthy on an online marketplace?
Look at their profile rating, number of completed transactions, and reviews from previous buyers. Verified sellers with a history of positive feedback are generally more reliable. Avoid sellers with no reviews or very new accounts offering expensive items at very low prices.
Q2: What should I do if I get scammed on an online marketplace?
Report the incident to the platform immediately and provide all evidence, including screenshots, payment receipts, and communication. You should also file a complaint with the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit (NPF-CERCC) or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). If you paid via bank transfer, contact your bank right away — quick reporting can sometimes reverse the transaction.
Q3: Is it safe to pay before delivery in Nigeria?
It can be, but only when the platform has a secure escrow or buyer protection system in place. Avoid paying upfront to individual sellers you cannot verify, especially for high-value items. Cash on delivery or platform-secured payments are safer options.
Q4: Are online marketplaces in Nigeria regulated?
Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) oversees consumer rights in digital commerce. Some platforms also voluntarily comply with data protection standards under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). However, regulation is still developing, which means users need to be extra cautious.
Q5: What are the signs of a fake product listing?
Key warning signs include prices that are far below market value, vague product descriptions, no clear photos of the actual item, pressure to pay quickly, and a seller who refuses to meet in person or allow product inspection.
Final Thoughts
Online shopping and trading is a smart, efficient way to do business — but it comes with risks that should not be ignored. Being informed about how scams work and taking the right precautions can save you from serious financial loss.
Always choose platforms that prioritise verification, transparency, and user safety. Stay alert, ask questions, and never rush into a payment without doing proper checks first.
