By John Umeh
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong public warning to Nigerians over the growing circulation of fake airline promotions and fraudulent investment schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting citizens.
In a statement released by the Commission, the EFCC noted a disturbing increase in the number of complaints and reports related to online airline ticket giveaways, bogus travel promos, and get-rich-quick investment platforms promising unrealistic returns.
According to the EFCC, these scams are being operated by cybercriminals who use social media, bulk SMS campaigns, and cloned websites of reputable companies to lure victims into paying for non-existent flight tickets or investing in fraudulent ventures. Victims are often promised discounted airfares, free travel vouchers, or high returns on investments within days—offers that the Commission says are too good to be true.
“The general public is advised to be extremely cautious when dealing with online travel offers or investment opportunities that promise quick profits or benefits,” the EFCC said. “These schemes are mostly traps set up by fraudsters to steal personal information and defraud people of their hard-earned money.”
The Commission also emphasized the need for Nigerians to verify the authenticity of any promotional or investment-related information before making payments or sharing personal details. It encouraged citizens to patronize only trusted travel agencies and financial institutions registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Furthermore, the EFCC warned that individuals found promoting or operating these scams would face the full weight of the law. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and prosecuting cybercriminals and called on the public to report suspicious activities via its official contact channels.
As fraudsters become more creative in their tactics, the EFCC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, especially in a digital era where scams can appear highly convincing.
The Commission’s warning comes amid a broader effort to clamp down on cybercrime and financial fraud in Nigeria, with increased public awareness forming a central part of its strategy.
