The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the activities of impostors posing as officials of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), reportedly targeting business owners and residents with threats, fake notices, and demands for money.
The warning was issued by the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, following reports that unknown individuals had added personal phone numbers to the agency’s Google profile, falsely presenting them as official contact lines to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
Solebo explained that these fraudulent actors have been using the pretense of consumer protection enforcement to intimidate business operators and extract cash. “The attention of the Agency has been drawn to the activities of individuals falsely claiming to represent LASCOPA.
These impostors have been reported to be extorting money, issuing fake notices, and threatening business owners and consumers under the guise of enforcing consumer protection laws,” he said.
He clarified that only officially authorised officers of LASCOPA are empowered to carry out enforcement activities in Lagos State. The agency’s services, he stressed, are completely free of charge.
“LASCOPA does not collect cash, fines, or levies on the spot from traders, service providers, or consumers. We do not engage agents or middlemen to act on our behalf in handling consumer complaints,” Solebo added.
The General Manager urged members of the public to always request valid identification from anyone claiming to act on behalf of the agency, and to remain vigilant against any individual or group attempting to bypass official procedures. He warned that payments made to such impostors will not be covered or compensated by the Lagos State Government or the agency.
“Any individual or organisation caught engaging in the criminal act of deception shall be brought to book. Residents should refuse to make any payment to unauthorised persons and immediately report suspicious activity to LASCOPA or the nearest law enforcement agency,” Solebo said.
The agency also encouraged residents to report substandard products and unsatisfactory services through official channels. Consumers can reach LASCOPA via its verified phone lines: 08012345656 and 07028976456, or through social media accounts @lasgcopa on Instagram and Twitter, and @lascopa on Facebook. Physical visits can be made to the agency’s headquarters along Allen Avenue, or to offices in local government areas across the state.
