10 Common Online Scams in Nigeria and How to Avoid Them (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing internet user bases in Africa. With this growth comes both opportunities and risks—especially the rise of online scams. Fraudsters constantly develop new tricks to deceive people, ranging from fake investment schemes to impersonation scams.

If you use mobile banking apps, social media, or online shopping platforms, you must be extra vigilant. In this guide, we’ll highlight the 10 most common online scams in Nigeria and share practical tips to avoid them.

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing is one of the most widespread online scams in Nigeria. Fraudsters send fake emails, SMS, or WhatsApp messages pretending to be banks, delivery companies, or government agencies.

Example: “Your bank account has been suspended. Click this link to reactivate.”

How to Avoid It

Never click on suspicious links in emails or SMS.
Verify messages by calling your bank directly.
Check URLs carefully—fraudsters often use look-alike websites.

2. Fake Online Investment Platforms

With the rise of fintech and crypto in Nigeria, fraudsters create fake investment websites promising outrageous returns (e.g., “Get 50% profit in 7 days”).

How to Avoid It

Research any investment company before putting in money.
Avoid platforms promising “guaranteed profits.”
Stick to licensed investment firms regulated by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).

3. Social Media Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters clone Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp accounts of celebrities, businesspeople, or even your close friends. They then request money for “urgent issues” or offer fake job opportunities.

How to Avoid It

Always confirm with the real person through a direct call.
Avoid sending money based on social media requests.
Check account activity—new accounts with few followers are suspicious.

4. Online Shopping Fraud

Fake e-commerce websites or Instagram vendors promise cheap deals, but once you pay, they disappear without delivering the goods.

How to Avoid It

Only buy from trusted platforms like Jumia, Konga, or verified Instagram shops.
Look for reviews and testimonials before paying.
Use “Pay on Delivery” whenever possible.

5. Lottery & Giveaway Scams

You may receive emails or messages claiming you’ve won a lottery, foreign prize, or celebrity giveaway. But before you claim it, they’ll ask you to “pay processing fees.”

How to Avoid It

Remember: Legitimate giveaways never ask you to pay money first.
Ignore lottery messages from unknown sources.
Verify giveaways directly from official celebrity pages.

6. Romance & Dating Scams

With online dating apps and social platforms, scammers often pretend to fall in love, build trust, and then request money for emergencies (such as medical bills or travel expenses).

How to Avoid It

Be cautious of relationships that move too fast online.
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Watch out for excuses when they avoid video calls or face-to-face meetings.

7. Job Recruitment Scams

Many Nigerians fall victim to fake job offers requiring “registration fees,” “medical tests,” or “training costs” before employment.

How to Avoid It

Real employers do not ask applicants for money.
Research the company before applying.
Verify job offers on official company websites.

8. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Scammers hack into company emails and send fake invoices or payment requests to employees and clients. This has cost Nigerian businesses billions of naira.

How to Avoid It

Double-check payment instructions before sending money.
Use two-factor authentication for business emails.
Train employees to recognise suspicious requests.

9. Online Loan App Scams

Some fraudulent loan apps in Nigeria give small loans but later harass users with blackmail, excessive interest rates, or data theft.

How to Avoid It

Only use CBN-approved loan apps.
Read reviews before downloading financial apps.
Never give full access to your contacts and photos.

10. Cryptocurrency & Ponzi Schemes

Fraudsters create fake crypto exchanges or Ponzi schemes disguised as “community savings platforms.” These eventually collapse, leaving users with huge losses.

How to Avoid It

Avoid platforms without a clear business model.
Research exchanges before investing in crypto.
Stick to well-known platforms like Binance, Luno, or official local exchanges.

Final Tips to Stay Safe Online

Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
Use strong passwords and avoid reusing them.
Be sceptical of offers that sound too good to be true.
Stay informed about new scams by following cybersecurity blogs.

Conclusion

Online scams in Nigeria are evolving, but with the right awareness, you can avoid becoming a victim. Whether it’s a fake investment, phishing email, or romance scam, the key is to stay alert and verify before you trust.

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