Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest exposure to online scams — not because Nigerians are careless, but because scammers have become more organized, smarter, and more technologically advanced. Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudsters pretending to be investment companies, job recruiters, banks, lovers, or even government agencies.
To protect yourself and your community, here are 10 of the most common online scams currently targeting Nigerians and how they work.
These websites promise unrealistic returns like “30% in 5 days” or “Double your money in 24 hours.”
They often:
Warning Sign: Anything with guaranteed high returns is almost always a scam.
Some apps:
Others don’t give any loan at all — they simply collect your BVN and personal details.
Warning Sign: Apps requesting full contact access, BVN, or card details.
Fraudsters create fake profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and dating sites to win victims’ trust.
They use:
Eventually, they ask for money for “hospital bills” or “flight tickets.”
Warning Sign: Anyone online asking for money, especially quickly.
Millions of desperate job seekers fall for:
Most of these offers are fake or exploitative.
Warning Sign: No legitimate employer asks applicants to pay money.
Scammers send fake SMS or WhatsApp messages like:
Once you click, they steal your login or banking details.
Warning Sign: Banks never ask you to update details via random links.
Fraudsters clone:
They collect payment, then block the buyer.
Warning Sign: Always call or verify the real business number before paying.
These include:
Warning Sign: No one can “double” your Bitcoin.
Scammers request your 6-digit verification code pretending to be:
Once they gain access, they message all your contacts and scam them.
Warning Sign: Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone.
This is one of the most dangerous frauds. A criminal convinces a mobile network to issue them a SIM with your number.
When they get it:
Warning Sign: Sudden loss of network service without explanation.
Messages claiming:
These scams are designed to steal your BVN, NIN, or bank details.
Warning Sign: Government grants do not require BVN through casual links.
Online scams continue to grow because people lack awareness — and because scammers prey on trust, desperation, and ignorance. By learning how these scams work, you take the first step in protecting yourself, your family, and your community.
NoToYahoo.org is committed to building a safer digital Nigeria. Stay alert. Stay informed.
Identity theft has become one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes worldwide — and Nigeria is no…
The internet has become an essential part of everyday life—school, entertainment, communication, and creativity. But…
Phishing is the number one cyberattack used against individuals, businesses, and institutions in Nigeria. Whether…
Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for cybercriminals. Platforms like Facebook,…
Many young Nigerians turn to cybercrime not because they want to, but because they believe…
Online fraud, commonly known as Yahoo, is not just a criminal act — it is…