Most deals on AutoArena go smoothly. These steps keep you safe from the few bad actors and are worth following on every purchase.
Before you pay
- See the car in person. Inspect it in daylight, in a public or busy place, and take someone with you.
- Prefer verified listings. Look for the VREG: Customs Cleared, Inspected & Verified and Verified Dealer badges — they signal the car and seller have been checked.
- Confirm the papers. Match the chassis/VIN, engine number and plate to the vehicle documents, and confirm customs duty is cleared for Tokunbo cars.
- Test drive it and, for a big purchase, pay a trusted mechanic to inspect it first.
Paying safely
- Never pay in advance for a car you have not seen. “Pay a deposit to reserve it” before viewing is the most common scam.
- Pay on delivery where possible, or use an escrow / secure-payment option when it is offered.
- Never share your bank OTP, card PIN or BVN with a seller or “agent” — AutoArena will never ask for them.
- Be wary of prices that look too good, pressure to “pay now”, or a seller who refuses to meet.
Check the seller
- Read the seller’s ratings and feedback before dealing.
- For dealers, confirm the business (CAC/RC number) and that they hold a Verified Dealer badge.
- Keep your conversation and agreement in writing.
Spotted something suspicious? Use the Report button on a listing, or contact us — we review every report.