Buying parts, cars and repairs
Car parts scams in Nigeria and how to avoid them
Updated 24 Oct 2026
Most dealers and mechanics are honest, but a few tricks catch people again and again. Knowing them is the best protection.
Common scams
- Pay first, part never comes. A seller on social media or WhatsApp asks for full payment, then stops replying.
- Fake dealer pages. Someone copies a real shop's name, photos or number to collect payments.
- The switch. You're shown a good part, but a different or damaged one is packed or fitted.
- Painted or “refurbished” parts sold as new or good tokunbo. Fresh paint can hide cracks, welds and rust.
- Unnecessary repairs. A mechanic replaces parts that weren't faulty, or keeps your good parts.
- Counterfeits. Fake brake pads, filters and oil in convincing packaging. See how to spot fake car parts.
Protect yourself
- See it before you pay. Pay on collection or delivery where you can, or pay a small deposit and the rest on inspection.
- Check the seller. Call the number on their PartMap listing, not a number someone sends you, and visit the shop for big purchases.
- Pay the business, not a person you don't know. Check that the account name matches the business.
- Mark your old part and keep it after a repair, so you know what was replaced.
- Get a receipt naming the part, brand and condition, and agree on returns in writing.
- Be wary of prices far below everyone else's.
If it happens to you
Report the business on PartMap (open its page, choose Report a problem, then Scam or fraud). We look into every report and can put a public caution on a listing. If you lost money, also report it to the police and your bank straight away.
See also buying tokunbo parts safely and questions to ask a dealer, or report a scam.
Quick answers
Is it safe to pay for car parts before I see them?
It's the most common way people lose money. Where you can, see the part first and pay on collection or delivery, or pay a small deposit with the balance on inspection.
How do I report a scam on PartMap?
Open the business's page, choose 'Report a problem', and pick 'Scam or fraud'. We look into every report. If you lost money, also report it to the police.
General guidance only. Every car is different, so follow your owner's manual and ask a qualified mechanic.