The General Directorate of Customs of Benin has issued a public warning regarding a scam operating on social networks and instant messaging applications. The customs authority is alerting citizens about deceptive schemes that falsely advertise auctions. These fraudulent operations aim to defraud individuals by soliciting payments under the guise of customs-related sales. The warning comes as part of an effort to protect the public from financial exploitation through these digital platforms, specifically targeting scams orchestrated on social networks and instant messaging applications.
Scam Details and Tactics
A fraudulent Facebook account, impersonating the Director General of Customs, Raouf Maléhossou Aboudou, is reportedly organizing a public auction. This account falsely claims to be auctioning vehicles and motorcycles located at the Port of Cotonou. The scam involves a fraudulent document outlining registration procedures for these supposed auctions. These procedures require participants to make payments via Mobile Money platforms such as MTN Money and Moov Money. Additionally, the scheme instructs individuals to engage in exchanges through specified WhatsApp contacts to complete the registration process. The fraudulent document specifically imposes paid registration procedures via Mobile Money services like MTN Money and Moov Money, or through direct exchanges via WhatsApp contacts, which are not legitimate methods for official transactions.
Official Procedures and Denials
The General Directorate of Customs of Benin has officially denied the authenticity of the purported auction, issuing communication No. 305/DGD/DBP/SP dated July 2, 2026. This official communication was specifically issued to deny the information being circulated by the fraudulent accounts. The institution’s statement directly refutes the information circulated by the fraudulent social media accounts. Authorities emphasize that the customs administration adheres to strict protocols for public announcements and official engagements. Communication regarding any customs-related activities, including auctions, is conducted exclusively through its established official channels or appropriate administrative avenues. This includes formal publications, official websites, and recognized press releases, rather than unofficial social media posts or instant messaging platforms. The customs administration maintains that any information not disseminated through these authorized means should be regarded as illegitimate and potentially fraudulent. It is key for the public to understand that the customs administration communicates exclusively through its official channels or appropriate administrative avenues, ensuring the veracity of all information.
Action and Public Advisory
The customs administration has clarified that it never requests fund transfers to private accounts or through mobile payment services. Director General of Customs, Raouf Maléhossou Aboudou, stated, "the customs administration never requests fund transfers to private accounts or via mobile payment, and that it communicates exclusively through its official channels or appropriate administrative avenues." Officials emphasize that all legitimate transactions and communications adhere to established public protocols. This explicit denial serves to protect citizens from financial loss.
Investigations are currently underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this fraudulent activity. Authorities are working to bring to justice the authors and accomplices implicated in this scam, which involves identity theft, forgery, and general fraud. These investigations aim to identify and bring to justice the authors and accomplices of this fraud for identity theft, forgery, and scam. The Directorate General of Customs urges the public to exercise caution. Anyone who encounters or is contacted in relation to this scam is advised to report it without delay. Reports can be made directly to the customs services by calling 0191131313, or by contacting other relevant competent authorities. Anyone contacted in the context of this scam is requested to report it immediately to the customs services by calling the provided number, or to inform the competent authorities, to aid in the ongoing efforts to dismantle this fraudulent operation.
