20/07/2026
Patronizing a food exporter online can be risky because food deals often involve big payments + shipping. Scammers target this a lot.
Here’s how to *spot a scammer* before you send money:
1. Red flags in their profile + communication
- No physical address / fake address: Real exporters have a registered office, warehouse, and CAC/RC number. Ask for it and verify on http://CAC.gov.ng
- Only WhatsApp/Telegram, no website or company email: Scammers avoid `.com`. Gmail/Yahoo alone is risky.
- Too good to be true prices: If their price for yam, garri, palm oil, etc is 40% cheaper than everyone else, be suspicious
- Pressure to pay fast: "Pay now or we sell to someone else" "Limited stock"
- Poor English + inconsistent details: Company name changes, different bank account names
2. Red flags in payment + documents
- Asks for 100% payment upfront to
personal account: Legit exporters use company bank accounts. Name on account must match company name.
- Refuses inspection / video call: A real exporter will do a live video walkthrough of the warehouse and products
- Fake documents: They send CAC certificate, NAFDAC, or export license that looks edited. Always cross-check CAC number online
- No traceable shipment history: Ask for past Bill of Lading, export documents, or 2-3 client references you can call
3. Ways to verify before you pay
1. Video call: Ask them to show you the warehouse, product, and packaging with today’s newspaper in frame
2. CAC check: Go to `publicsearch.cac.gov.ng` and verify their company name + RC number
3. Third-party inspection*: Use an agent in Nigeria to visit the warehouse. Costs money but saves you from losing millions
4. Small test order first*: Start with 1 bag/carton before doing a container load
5. Use escrow / Letter of Credit*: For big deals, don’t do direct transfer. Use bank LC or a trusted escrow so money only releases when goods ship
6.
Check online reviews*: Search company name + "scam" on Facebook, Threads, and Google. Ask in exporter groups
4. Green flags of a legit food exporter*
- Registered CAC with export experience
- Willing to sign contract + give proforma invoice with company details
- Accepts inspection and has real photos/videos, not just stock images
- Company bank account, not personal
- Member of NEPC - Nigerian Export Promotion Council
Rule of thumb: If you can’t visit them, at least make sure 3 things check out: `Real address + Video proof + Company bank account`
PS: FAVY SALES FOOD we are still growing and is the best option for your food exportation, we may not have our CAC yet but we will never refuse a video call from you