Spotting and Avoiding Scams in the USA-Nigeria Car Shipping Industry

Shipping cars from the United States to Nigeria has become almost routine over the last decade. With a rising appetite for affordable, foreign-used vehicles—often referred to as Tokunbo in Nigeria—it’s no surprise that thousands of cars move across the Atlantic each month. But alongside legitimate businesses offering smooth logistics, there’s a darker side: scams.

Now, I don’t say this lightly. I’ve seen friends lose thousands of dollars to fraudulent agents. In fact, one cousin of mine thought he had scored a bargain on a used Toyota Camry. The so-called “shipping agent” showed him a flashy website, fake tracking numbers, and even sent him pictures of “his car” sitting in a warehouse in New Jersey. Months later, the phone lines went dead, the website disappeared, and—well, you can guess what happened. No car, no refund, just lessons learned the hard way.

Stories like his aren’t isolated. If you’ve ever considered shipping a vehicle from the U.S. to Nigeria, you’ve probably already heard a warning or two: “Be careful, there are scammers everywhere.” And they’re right. The question is, how do you actually spot them? And more importantly, how do you protect yourself?

Let’s break it down.

Why the USA-Nigeria Car Trade Attracts Scammers

The trade itself is lucrative. Cars in the U.S. are often cheaper than in Nigeria—even after adding shipping, customs duty, and clearing charges. For example, a Honda Accord bought for $4,500 in Texas might sell for nearly double in Lagos. Where there’s money flowing, scammers are lurking.

Another factor is distance. Most buyers in Nigeria will never set foot in the U.S. warehouse where their car supposedly sits. That physical separation creates room for deception. Combine that with the urgency buyers often feel (“I must secure this car before someone else grabs it!”), and you have the perfect recipe for fraud.

And it’s not always crude. The scams have evolved. We’re no longer talking about someone simply disappearing with your money after a phone call. Now, fraudsters run polished websites, fake shipping companies, and even create convincing bill-of-lading documents.

Common Scams You Should Know
1. The “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deal

If someone offers you a 2020 Lexus RX 350 for $5,000, pause. Cars don’t magically lose 70% of their market value. Scammers bank on your excitement. They know most buyers are on the lookout for bargains. They dangle a price that feels irresistible, then pressure you to pay quickly “before another buyer takes it.”

A legitimate dealer will never mind if you take a day or two to confirm details. But scammers thrive on urgency.

2. Fake Shipping Companies

One popular trick involves inventing a shipping company. They’ll create a professional-looking website, complete with tracking numbers, shipment status updates, and customer service chatbots. You’ll think your car is already en route, but it’s just smoke and mirrors.

I once tested one of these sites after a friend suspected foul play. I entered random tracking numbers, and the system still produced “active shipment” details. That was the red flag.

3. Advance Fee Fraud

This is where you’re asked to keep paying additional charges after the initial transaction. Maybe they tell you the car has arrived at port, but customs needs an “urgent clearance fee.” You pay. Next week, another charge appears for “unexpected port storage.” Before long, you’ve sent money several times over, but the car never materializes.

4. Identity Cloning

Some scammers don’t even create new businesses—they steal the identity of real ones. They copy logos, emails, and even registration numbers of legitimate shipping companies. By the time you realize you’ve been dealing with an impersonator, the money’s gone.

Red Flags That Should Trigger Suspicion

Spotting scams isn’t always straightforward, but there are signals that can help you steer clear.

Unrealistic pricing – If the offer looks like a steal, it probably is.

Vague company details – No physical office, no registered business address, no real phone number.

Unprofessional communication – Watch out for sloppy emails, inconsistent phone numbers, or WhatsApp-only contact.

Pressure tactics – “Pay today or lose the deal.” That sense of rush is a common ploy.

No verifiable track record – If Google, social media, or even forums like Nairaland can’t vouch for the company, think twice.

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself

Here’s where things get practical. If you’re serious about shipping a car, don’t just rely on trust or a friend’s cousin’s recommendation. Do your homework.

Verify Business Registration

Most legitimate shipping companies in the U.S. are registered and can be cross-checked through official databases like the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). In Nigeria, check with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Use Escrow or Secure Payment Options

Instead of wiring money directly into someone’s personal account, consider escrow services where funds are only released when the car is verified. Yes, it might cost you a little extra, but it’s insurance against outright theft.

Ask for References

Don’t hesitate to request references from previous customers. A legitimate dealer will have no problem connecting you with someone they’ve served.

Inspect Before You Pay

If possible, get a trusted contact in the U.S. to physically inspect the car. There are also inspection services like SGS or Copart that can provide detailed reports on used cars before purchase.

Confirm Shipping Details Independently

Don’t just rely on the tracking number they give you. Cross-check directly with the shipping line (Maersk, Grimaldi, MSC, etc.). If the number doesn’t show up in the official system, you’re being scammed.

A Personal Reflection

I remember my first attempt at helping a friend buy a car from the U.S. He wanted a Nissan Altima. The seller sent me endless photos—interior, engine bay, even close-ups of the odometer. It all looked legit. But something didn’t sit right. When I asked for a video of the car with the seller starting it, they hesitated. Excuses piled up: “My phone’s camera isn’t working,” “I’m traveling today,” “I’ll send it tomorrow.” That was the clue. A week later, their website went offline.

That experience taught me something important: trust your gut. If something feels off, it usually is.

Why Education Matters

Scams thrive not just because scammers are cunning but because buyers often lack information. Many first-time car buyers simply don’t know what questions to ask or how the process should normally flow. Some don’t even realize that clearing costs in Nigeria can sometimes equal the price of the car itself.

This lack of transparency creates an environment where fraudsters flourish. The more informed buyers become, the harder it is for scams to succeed.

A Note on Cultural Mindset

One thing I’ve noticed is how cultural attitudes toward “connection” play into this. In Nigeria, people tend to trust word-of-mouth referrals—“my guy can help you ship your car.” That’s not always a bad thing, but it can blind buyers to due diligence. A scammer doesn’t need to fool you directly if they can fool someone you trust.

So, What’s the Safer Route?

If you’re risk-averse, there are safer—though sometimes pricier—alternatives. Many Nigerian dealers already import cars in bulk. You might pay a bit more buying directly from them, but at least you can physically inspect the car before handing over your money.

Another option is working only with large, well-known logistics companies that have reputations to protect. They may not be the cheapest, but peace of mind often outweighs saving a few hundred dollars.

Final Thoughts

The USA-Nigeria car shipping industry is full of opportunities, but it’s also littered with traps. Scams will likely never disappear entirely; as buyers wise up, fraudsters adapt. But staying vigilant makes a big difference.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: never let excitement override caution. That “perfect deal” might be bait. Slow down, verify everything, and when in doubt, walk away. There will always be another car, another seller, another chance.

And if you’ve already fallen victim, don’t beat yourself up too much. Scammers are good at what they do. Share your experience so others can learn, and next time, you’ll know better.

Because at the end of the day, a little skepticism isn’t paranoia—it’s protection.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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