I am working on building my brand online. Last week, I made a purchase of some items from a wig vendor on Instagram. I ensured that she had a physical store before making the order on WhatsApp because she had a policy of payment before delivery. She sent me the wrong item. I sent her the video of the wrong item and pointed her attention to it. She is currently daring me to do my worst as she is not ready to deliver the correct item I ordered or make a refund.
These are my questions:
1. As an entrepreneur who is going to operate majorly in the online space, is misrepresentation of items allowed?
2. What is the implication of sending a wrong item to a client but then insisting that is what was paid for, even though the evidences are glaring that it is untrue?
3. What is the worst case scenario and the implication for a vendor who does this?
I’ll appreciate a response to these questions as I am also learning from every mistake.
What you described isn’t just “bad customer service”—it squarely falls under misrepresentation and potential consumer fraud under Nigerian law. Let’s answer your questions directly and tie them to what actually applies in Nigeria. 1) Is misrepresentation of items allowed? No. It is illegal. Under thRead more
What you described isn’t just “bad customer service”—it squarely falls under misrepresentation and potential consumer fraud under Nigerian law. Let’s answer your questions directly and tie them to what actually applies in Nigeria.
See less1) Is misrepresentation of items allowed?
No. It is illegal.
Under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 (FCCPA):
A seller must not mislead or deceive a consumer
Goods must match description, quality, and purpose
If a vendor advertises one wig and delivers another:
That is false representation
Even if it’s an online business (Instagram/WhatsApp), the law still applies.
2) What is the implication of sending a wrong item and denying it?
This escalates the issue from “error” to deliberate misconduct.
Legally, it can be classified as:
a) Misrepresentation
Selling under false claims
b) Unfair trade practice
Refusing to correct a clear mistake
c) Possible fraud (if intentional)
Especially if pattern/repetition exists
Under FCCPA, the buyer has the right to:
Reject the goods
Demand refund or replacement
Seek damages
3) Worst case scenario for the vendor
If you escalate this properly, consequences can include:
1. Regulatory Sanctions
By Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC):
Fines
Business restrictions
Public blacklisting
2. Civil Liability
You can:
Take legal action
Claim:
Refund
Damages
Compensation for inconvenience
3. Criminal Exposure (in extreme cases)
If proven intentional and repeated:
It may fall under fraud-related offences
4. Reputation Damage (Most Immediate)
For an online vendor:
Negative reviews
Social media exposure
Loss of trust
👉 In reality, this is often the fastest and most damaging consequence
4) Practical Steps You Should Take Now
Don’t just argue—act strategically:
Step 1: Document Everything
Screenshots of:
Product advertised
Chat conversation
Payment proof
Delivered item (video/photo)
Step 2: Send a Formal Message (Final Notice)
State clearly:
You received the wrong item
You demand:
Replacement OR refund within X days
You will escalate to FCCPC if ignored
Step 3: Report to FCCPC
File complaint with:
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
They actively handle cases like this.
Step 4: Public Pressure (Use Carefully)
Post factual evidence (no defamation)
Tag the business
👉 Many vendors respond quickly when reputation is at risk
5) As an Entrepreneur (Important for You)
Since you’re building your own brand, take this as a blueprint of what NOT to do:
Always:
Deliver exactly what is advertised
Communicate clearly
Resolve complaints quickly
Because:
In online business, trust = currency
6) Straight Answer Summary
❌ Misrepresentation is NOT allowed
⚠️ Sending wrong item + denying = legal violation
🚨 Worst case:
Fines
Lawsuit
Business shutdown risk
Reputation destruction
If you want, I can:
Help you draft a strong legal-style message to send her
Or guide you step-by-step on filing an FCCPC complaint in Nigeria