The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a public alert over a rising wave of fraudulent schemes designed to steal Nigerians’ personal and financial information through fake airline ticket discount promotions.
According to the EFCC, fraudsters are now using deceptive promos claiming to offer 50% discounts on foreign airline tickets to lure unsuspecting victims. The scam begins by enticing individuals to pay a token fee—typically ₦500—into what appears to be a legitimate charity or airline account. Victims are then instructed to download a fake mobile app to qualify for the offer. Once installed, this app secretly harvests sensitive personal data and banking details.
Using malicious software (malware), the scammers gain unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts, transferring funds to accounts with Fintech institutions and microfinance banks. The stolen funds are often laundered through cryptocurrency purchases, making them difficult to trace.
Investigations reveal a disturbing network of young Nigerians, known as “Account Suppliers” or “KYC Groups”, who play a key role in this fraud. These individuals pay unsuspecting people as little as ₦1,500 to ₦2,000 in exchange for their NIN slips, BVN, passport photographs, and ID cards. The stolen personal details are then sold to Fintech companies for about ₦5,000, which are later used to open fraudulent accounts for investment scams and other cybercrimes.
The EFCC disclosed that over 12,000 account canvassers are operating across the country, actively seeking “account donors” who unknowingly become accomplices in these financial crimes.
While the EFCC has already made arrests and is recovering funds stolen through these fraudulent promos, the agency warns Nigerians to never share personal banking information or agree to be “account donors” for any reason. The Commission stresses that such actions not only facilitate financial crimes but also pose a serious threat to national security.
The EFCC reassures Nigerians of its commitment to protect the nation’s financial ecosystem and urges the public to report suspicious schemes through its
