Lagos opens toll-free line to report fake products

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has introduced a toll-free helpline through which residents can report fake, expired and adulterated products, misleading advertisements, poor services and other consumer-related violations.

The agency’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, in a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Wednesday, urged Lagos residents to use the new channel to formally report suspected violations rather than relying solely on complaints made on social media.

The toll-free line is 080 0005 2726, while complaints can also be sent to lasgcopa@gmail.com or through the agency’s social media platforms under the handle @lascopa.

The development gives consumers a channel to seek guidance and bring suspected breaches to the attention of the state regulator, particularly in cases involving products or services that may affect health, safety or financial interests.

Solebo said complaints submitted to the agency should be supported by verifiable evidence to enable investigation and enforcement.

He listed useful evidence to include receipts, invoices, photographs or videos, product labels, proof of payment and screenshots of transactions, advertisements or conversations with sellers.

The helpline will receive complaints concerning fake and counterfeit products, expired or adulterated goods, defective products, misleading advertisements and unfair business practices, as well as poor services and disputes arising from online shopping.

Solebo also advised residents to exercise greater caution when purchasing goods and services, particularly online, urging them to verify sellers, prices and terms before making payments.

He asked consumers to examine product labels for manufacturers’ details, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch numbers, ingredients and usage instructions before purchasing goods.

The agency’s latest call comes after it warned in August that expired and near-expired products were allegedly being reintroduced into the Lagos market with falsified production and expiry dates.

LASCOPA said at the time that its enforcement teams had inspected businesses across the state and uncovered suspicious date coding, damaged packaging and other questionable products.

Solebo said the new complaint channel would help the agency identify violations and take enforcement action where necessary.

“Timely, credible complaints help us detect violations and take enforcement action. Consumer protection is a shared responsibility, government, businesses and consumers,” he said.(Punch)