The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a critical public alert regarding a sophisticated fraudulent scheme targeting Nigerians through enticing foreign airline ticketing discount promos, as announced on July 25, 2025, via their official X account. The scam employs malware to illegally access victims’ account details, using bait like “Promo” or “Investment Windows” to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information.
Fraudsters then execute unauthorized transactions, diverting funds to fintech accounts and laundering them through cryptocurrency purchases. A notable case involved a fake 50% discount offer from a leading airline, where a N500 “charity payment” served as an entry point for hackers to steal personal data via a malicious app, subsequently transferring funds to a microfinance account.
The EFCC revealed that this scam is fueled by a network of approximately 12,000 young Nigerians, dubbed “Account Suppliers” or “KYC Group,” who pay victims between N1,500 and N2,000 to obtain personal documents like NIN registration slips, BVN, and passport photos, later selling this data to fintech firms for around N5,000.
These details are exploited to open fraudulent accounts for investment scams and other illegal activities, posing a significant national security threat. The Commission has made arrests and is recovering stolen funds, urging Nigerians to avoid becoming “Account Donors” and remain vigilant. The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s financial integrity for the benefit of all citizens.
