The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a nationwide alert, warning Nigerians to steer clear of a new fraudulent scheme involving fake promotional offers, particularly ticket discounts by foreign airlines.
According to Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, scammers are exploiting flashy incentives such as “promo” and “investment windows” to lure unsuspecting victims into revealing sensitive account details. The perpetrators then use malware and unauthorised apps to siphon funds from victims’ accounts, redirecting the money to digital wallets and accounts in fintech institutions where it is laundered through cryptocurrency purchases.
One case involved a purported 50% discount on airline tickets, prompting users to pay a token of ₦500 disguised as a charity donation. Victims were instructed to download a fake app, which gave fraudsters access to their banking details and enabled unauthorised fund transfers to a microfinance bank account.
The EFCC also uncovered a disturbing trend fueling this fraud: young Nigerians, dubbed “Account Suppliers” or part of the “KYC Group,” were allegedly buying victims’ data—including NIN slips, BVNs, and passport photos—for ₦1500–₦2000 and selling it to fintech firms for as much as ₦5000. An estimated 12,000 individuals are reportedly involved across the country.
Arrests have been made and efforts to recover stolen funds are currently underway. The EFCC urges citizens never to become Account Donors and stresses that such actions pose a serious threat to national security.
“The Commission remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s financial space and the interest of all Nigerians,” Oyewale affirmed.
