The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised an alarm over a sophisticated and growing fraudulent scheme involving fake airline ticket discount promotions and illicit financial activities facilitated through fintech platforms.
In a public advisory issued Thursday, the Commission cautioned Nigerians to be wary of deceptive “promo” offers—particularly those advertised as discounted airline ticket sales—which are being used as bait to harvest sensitive personal and financial information.
According to the EFCC, the scheme typically begins with a supposed offer of up to 50% discount on airline tickets, prompting unsuspecting individuals to pay a nominal fee—often as low as ₦500—into an account falsely presented as belonging to a reputable airline. Victims are then asked to download a mobile app to complete the process. The app, however, contains malware that enables unauthorised access to their banking information.
“Through this access, fraudsters control and launder victims’ funds via crypto purchases and transfers to accounts primarily operated through fintech institutions,” the EFCC said.
The Commission revealed that these scams are being driven by a growing underground network of individuals known as “Account Suppliers” or “KYC Groups.” These fraudsters reportedly offer victims between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 in exchange for sensitive identity information such as NIN slips, BVNs, passport photographs, and other forms of ID. This data is then sold to third parties—sometimes fintech companies—for as much as ₦5,000, and used to open fraudulent accounts used in further scams.
The EFCC estimates that over 12,000 individuals may be involved in this illicit trade nationwide.
“This practice is not only criminal but also poses a significant threat to national security,” the Commission warned. “No Nigerian should under any circumstances surrender their personal information to so-called account canvassers.”
The agency confirmed that arrests have already been made, and efforts to recover funds stolen through these schemes are ongoing.
Reiterating its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, the EFCC urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities promptly.
