EFCC Warns Nigerians About New Airline Ticket Discount Scam and Identity Theft
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a serious warning to Nigerians about a sophisticated new scam.
This scheme not only defrauds individuals through fake airline ticket discounts but also involves the illicit acquisition of personal identification details for wider fraudulent activities.
How the Scam Works
The EFCC explained that fraudsters use enticing offers like "Promo" or "Investment Windows" to trick victims.
A recent example involved a purported 50% discount on airline tickets with a leading foreign airline. Victims were asked to pay a token of N500, disguised as a "charity payment," which served as the entry point for the scammers.
The scam then progresses in two main ways:
1. Malware and Unauthorized Access: Victims are often deceived into downloading a fake version of the airline's app.
This app contains malware that grants the fraudsters unauthorized access to the victim's account information.
Once access is gained, funds are moved from the victim's bank account to accounts primarily in microfinance banks and other Fintech institutions.
These funds are then laundered through the purchase of cryptocurrencies.
Identity Theft for Account Opening: The scam also involves a network of young Nigerians who identify as "Account Suppliers" or "KYC Group."
These individuals offer small payments, typically N1,500 to N2,000, to victims who surrender their personal identification details, such as:
1.NIN registration slips
2. Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs)
3.Passport photos
4. Other identification documents
These stolen details are then sold to Fintech institutions for approximately N5,000 and used to open new accounts.
These newly opened accounts are subsequently exploited for investment scams and other fraudulent activities.
The EFCC estimates there are around 12,000 such "account donors" across the country.
EFCC's Warning and Ongoing Efforts
The EFCC has confirmed that arrests have been made in connection with these scams and efforts to recover lost funds are ongoing. However, the commission strongly warned the public to be extremely cautious and vigilant.
"On no account should any Nigerian agree to be an Account Donor for any purpose, as this is a threat to national security."
Staying informed and cautious is crucial to protect yourself from these evolving financial crimes.