Learn the essential steps to verify any business before making a payment in Nigeria. Protect yourself from scams with these practical tips.
Published: 2026-06-01
Online shopping in Nigeria has grown rapidly, but so have the number of scams targeting unsuspecting buyers. Before you send money to any vendor, taking a few minutes to verify their legitimacy can save you from losing your hard-earned money.
The fastest way to verify a business is to search for them on Veriq. Every registered business on Veriq has a trust score from 0 to 100, calculated from customer reviews, verification documents, and transaction history. A score above 70 indicates a highly trusted vendor.
Legitimate businesses in Nigeria are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Ask the vendor for their RC number and verify it. On Veriq, businesses that submit CAC documents get a higher trust score.
Real customer reviews are one of the most reliable ways to assess a business. On Veriq, reviews are verified and customers can upload proof of transaction, making fake reviews much harder to post.
Check the vendor's Instagram, TikTok, or other social media accounts. Look for consistent posting history, real customer interactions, and genuine product photos. Be wary of accounts with very few posts or followers that seem purchased.
Whenever possible, use an escrow service or pay on delivery. This ensures you only release payment after receiving and inspecting the goods. Veriq offers escrow protection for transactions between buyers and verified vendors.
Before paying, search for the business on Veriq's business directory to check if a vendor is listed and verified. If other customers have reported the business for scam activities, you'll see the reports and can make an informed decision.
Taking these steps before every transaction significantly reduces your risk of being scammed. Veriq exists to make business verification easy and accessible for every Nigerian. Browse verified businesses or search by name to verify before you buy.