How to Verify a Nigerian Business Before You Pay

Nigeria has a thriving business culture — but it also has a well-documented problem with businesses that take money and disappear. From Instagram vendors to online stores, from contractors to service providers, Nigerians lose billions of naira every year to unverified businesses.

The good news is that with a few simple checks, you can significantly reduce your risk before paying any Nigerian business. Here is your complete guide.

Step 1 — Check CAC Registration

Every legitimate Nigerian business should be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Here is how to verify:

• Visit the CAC search portal at search.cac.gov.ng

• Search for the business name or registration number

• A registered business will show its registration date, directors, and status

• If the business is not registered, that is a major red flag

Note: Small informal businesses and sole traders may not be CAC registered. Use this check especially for larger purchases or service providers.

Step 2 — Check Their Online Reviews

Before paying any Nigerian business, search for reviews from other customers:

• Search the business name on Truxper (truxper.com) — Nigeria's dedicated business review platform

• Search Google for '[business name] review Nigeria' or '[business name] scam'

• Check their social media comments — look for complaints in comment sections

• Search the business name on Nairaland — Nigerians frequently warn about scam businesses

A business with zero online presence and no reviews should be treated with caution.

Step 3 — Verify Their Social Media Presence

For Instagram and WhatsApp vendors especially:

• Check how long the account has been active — new accounts are higher risk

• Look for genuine customer testimonials and tagged photos

• Check if followers look real or purchased

• Look for a physical address or verifiable location

• Check if previous customers have commented positively on recent posts

Be especially careful of accounts that only show product photos with no customer interaction.

Step 4 — Verify Bank Account Ownership

Before making any transfer, verify the account name matches the business:

• Use your bank app to verify the account name before confirming any transfer

• If the account name does not match the business name, ask for an explanation

• Be suspicious of businesses that ask you to pay into a personal account rather than a business account

• Never pay cash without a receipt

Step 5 — Use Escrow or Pay on Delivery Where Possible

For higher value purchases:

• Use Pay on Delivery options where available

• Use escrow services for large transactions

• Pay in installments — a deposit first, balance on delivery

• Never pay 100% upfront for a service that has not started

Step 6 — Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong, it probably is:

• Prices that are too good to be true usually are

• Pressure to pay urgently is a classic scam tactic

• Businesses that refuse to provide any verifiable information are suspicious

• If they only communicate on WhatsApp with no other verifiable presence, be careful

What to Do If You Are Scammed

If a Nigerian business has taken your money:

• Report to the EFCC at efcc.gov.ng or call 0800-CALL-EFCC

• Report to the Nigeria Police Force

• Report to your bank immediately to attempt a reversal

• Leave a review on Truxper to warn other Nigerians

• Share on social media to alert others

Rate Nigerian Businesses on Truxper

After any business transaction — good or bad — leave a review on Truxper. Your experience helps other Nigerians make safer decisions before paying.

truxper.com — Nigeria's Business Review Platform 🇳🇬

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