The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm over an emerging fraud scheme targeting unsuspecting Nigerians through fake airline promotions, warning that the operation is part of a broader, tech-enabled criminal network exploiting digital identities and financial technology platforms.
In a statement released Friday, the EFCC revealed that fraudsters are deploying malware and phishing techniques to harvest victims’ personal data under the guise of attractive offers such as airline ticket discounts, fake investment opportunities, or bogus promotional campaigns.
One such case involved a supposed “50% discount” on airline tickets from a popular foreign carrier. Victims were enticed to pay a token fee of N500—framed as a charitable contribution—and download an app claiming to process the discount. Unbeknownst to them, the app was a tool for extracting sensitive personal and financial data, which allowed the perpetrators to drain victims' bank accounts and transfer funds into microfinance or fintech-linked accounts.
The EFCC further disclosed that the scam relies on a growing network of young Nigerians self-styled as “Account Suppliers” or “KYC Groups.” These individuals purchase personal information—such as NIN slips, BVNs, passport photos, and other ID documents—for as little as ₦1,500 to ₦2,000, and resell them to fintech operators for profit. These identities are then used to open accounts exploited for crypto laundering and other financial crimes.
The Commission estimates that roughly 12,000 such identity brokers operate across the country, fueling a shadow economy of digital fraud that poses a significant threat to national financial security.
While some arrests have been made and recovery efforts are underway, the EFCC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist offers to serve as “Account Donors.”
“On no account should any Nigerian agree to be an Account Donor for any purpose,” the EFCC warned. “This practice is not only illegal but constitutes a serious national security risk.”
The agency advised the public to be cautious of unsolicited offers, particularly those that request personal or financial information in exchange for seemingly minor payments or rewards.
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