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Lagos govt warns against fake LASCOPA officials extorting business owners and residents
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Impostors allegedly use fake notices and phone numbers to demand money in Lagos
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LASCOPA says its services are free, urges residents to report extortion attempts
The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the activities of individuals impersonating officials of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), warning business owners and residents to be wary of extortion schemes across the state.
The warning was issued by the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, following complaints that unknown persons had been posing as agency officials to intimidate traders, service providers, and consumers.
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According to Solebo, the impostors reportedly added private phone numbers to LASCOPA’s Google profile and falsely presented them as official contact lines in order to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
He explained that the fraudulent individuals have been issuing fake enforcement notices, making threats, and demanding money under the pretext of enforcing consumer protection laws.
“The attention of the Agency has been drawn to the activities of individuals falsely claiming to represent LASCOPA. These impostors are extorting money from business owners and consumers, issuing fake notices and making threats under the guise of consumer protection enforcement,” Solebo said.
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He clarified that only duly authorised officers of LASCOPA are permitted to carry out enforcement duties in Lagos State, stressing that the agency does not charge fees for its services.
Solebo further stated that LASCOPA does not collect cash, fines, or levies on the spot and does not engage agents or intermediaries to handle consumer complaints on its behalf.
The General Manager urged residents to always demand valid identification from anyone claiming to represent the agency and warned that payments made to unauthorised individuals would not be recognised or refunded by the Lagos State Government.
“Any individual or organisation involved in this criminal act of impersonation will be prosecuted. Residents should refuse to make payments to unauthorised persons and promptly report such incidents to LASCOPA or the nearest law enforcement agency,” he said.
He also encouraged consumers to report substandard goods and poor services through official channels, noting that complaints can be lodged via LASCOPA’s verified phone lines, social media platforms, or by visiting the agency’s headquarters and local government offices across the state.