Top 10 Online Scams Nigerians Keep Falling For in 2025

The Internet has made life easier for millions of Nigerians, but it’s also made fraud more sophisticated. In 2025, scammers have gone beyond the old “Yahoo Yahoo” emails; now they use Instagram pages, Telegram groups, and even fake fintech platforms. Many of these scams look completely legit at first glance.

Below are ten common online scams that Nigerians are still falling for in 2025, along with how they work and how to stay safe.

1. Instagram and WhatsApp Fake Vendors

You have probably seen this before: sleek Instagram pages filled with product photos, glowing captions, and urgency-heavy posts, such as “Selling Out Fast!” You place an order, send money, and they vanish.

While the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCP) do not disclose demographic-specific data, national complaint volumes have increased, and legal experts and consumer advocates frequently list scams related to social media vendors and online purchases among the most common types of fraud.

What to do:

• Avoid making full prepayments unless you’re certain.

• Check for real customer reviews or tagged posts.

• Ask for a payment link with buyer protection (e.g., Paystack or Flutterwave).

2. Fake Job Offers (Especially Remote Work)

You’re sent a DM with an exciting job offering good pay, remote flexibility, and little experience needed. However, first, they request a “registration” or “training” fee.

 Many of these scam recruiters pose as well-known companies or Non-governmental organisations.

Jobberman warns that fake job listings, particularly those requesting upfront payments, are a growing concern for job seekers, although the platform does not provide public statistics on annual scam trends. 

 What to do:

• Never pay to apply for a job.
  
• Research the company on LinkedIn.
  
• Check job boards like Jobberman, MyJobMag, or Glassdoor for legitimacy.
  

3. WhatsApp Investment Platforms

These typically begin with a testimonial, such as “I made ₦300k in 3 days!” and then invite you into a “VIP” WhatsApp group. You’re promised returns of 50% to 80% in days if you invest.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regularly warns Nigerians about crypto Ponzi schemes operating via WhatsApp and Telegram.

 What to do:

• Verify investment licenses with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria.
  
• If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
  

4. Online Dating or Romance Scams

They pretend to be abroad, typically as a soldier, an oil worker, or an NGO staff member, and establish trust through daily conversations. Then comes a request: “Can you help me with a little transfer?”

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the median loss per romance scam victim was about $2,500 in 2020, with losses totalling $304 million.

A separate investigation cited in media reports found that Nigerian victims in 2020 lost an average of approximately $14,892 per case. While country-specific figures are limited, multiple sources confirm that romance scams inflict severe financial damage globally.

 What to do:

• Reverse-search profile pictures.
  
• Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person.
  

5. Phishing Emails and “Bank Alerts”

Scammers mimic your bank’s email or SMS format, claiming you need to verify an account or unblock a transaction. They ask you to click a link, and your login info is stolen.

 What to do:

• Never click suspicious links.
  
• Call your bank directly to confirm messages.
  
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection.
  

6. Digital Loan Apps with Privacy Violations

 Some loan apps promise “zero collateral” loans, but if you default, they’ll text your contacts, shame you publicly, or add phantom charges.

The FCCPC delisted over 45 illegal loan apps in 2024 due to such abusive practices.

 What to do:

• Only use approved loan apps listed by the FCCPC.
  
• Check Play Store reviews and terms before downloading.
  

7. Scam Giveaways and Surveys on TikTok/Facebook

They claim you’ve “won ₦50,000” or a phone, and all you need to do is fill out a survey or share your BVN. 

 What to do:

• Avoid third-party links in giveaways.
  
• Real brands usually announce winners publicly and don’t ask for sensitive information.
  

8. Fake E-commerce Clones

You search for a phone on Google and find a super cheap listing on “jumlaa.com” (note the spelling). The site looks legit, but it’s a copy built to steal your money.

 What to do:

• Check for SSL certificates (“https”) in URLs.
  
• Stick with official apps and avoid links shared in DMs.
  

9. SIM Swap and E-SIM Fraud

Scammers can steal your number by impersonating you to your telco provider. Once done, they get your SMS alerts and reset your banking apps.

 The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued alerts in April 2025 regarding the growing incidence of SIM swap fraud, particularly targeting fintech users.

• Set a SIM lock PIN.
  
• Use biometrics or token apps for bank logins.
  

10. Fake Tech Support Calls or “Google Help”

“Hello, we noticed suspicious activity on your account…” Sounds real, but it’s a scammer asking for your OTP or persuading you to download an app like AnyDesk.

 What to do:

• No legitimate tech company will cold-call you asking for OTPs.
  
• Never install remote control apps unless you initiate the help session.