Fake Rice Deal Scam Hits Auchi: Business Owners Defrauded by Bogus Office Setup
A disturbing scam operation has surfaced in Auchi, Edo State, where unsuspecting business owners were defrauded through a fake office setup falsely offering discounted food items, particularly bags of rice.
According to eyewitness reports circulating on social media, a group claiming to represent “Nations Pride Integrated Services Ltd” opened a physical office and launched an aggressive sales campaign, advertising bags of rice for ₦20,000 each – significantly below market price.
The offer, presented as a bulk food distribution initiative, attracted numerous business owners and retailers who believed it was a legitimate opportunity to restock goods at a bargain. Some reportedly placed large orders ranging from 100 to 500 bags, making full or partial payments upfront.
However, by the following morning, the office was nowhere to be found – shut down overnight with no trace of the operators. Victims say phone numbers provided were unreachable, and the alleged company’s emails have gone unanswered.
This incident has sparked concern across the community and beyond, raising fresh alarm about the vulnerability of small business owners to fraud schemes, especially amid rising food prices in Nigeria.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but affected individuals are being urged to report to local police and provide any documentation or proof of payment that may assist in tracking down the perpetrators.
Community leaders and financial experts continue to warn the public to verify companies, request registration details, and avoid making large payments without confirmed credibility – especially in times of economic hardship, where desperation may cloud judgment.
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