Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the EFCC. This is general, informational content — report crimes and check recruitment only through official EFCC channels (efcc.gov.ng). Beware fake “EFCC recruitment” sites and anyone asking for payment — the EFCC does not charge to apply. If a crime is in progress or you are in danger, contact the Police.
Guard your secrets
Never share your OTP, PIN, card number/CVV or online-banking password — with anyone, ever. No genuine bank, agency or company will ask for them. This single habit stops most fraud.
Verify before you pay
Before sending money or goods, verify independently: confirm the person/company (e.g. CAC check), call official numbers you looked up yourself, and be extra careful with first-time sellers or “too-good” deals.
Know the red flags
- Urgency/pressure to act now.
- Requests for upfront fees to receive money or a job.
- Unofficial links and look-alike sites.
- Guaranteed high returns.
See the common scams.
Digital hygiene
Use strong, unique passwords and 2-factor authentication, don’t click unknown links, keep apps updated, and enable transaction alerts on your bank account.
If you’re targeted
Don’t act under pressure. Stop, verify, and if you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report to the EFCC.
Tips
- OTP/PIN = never share.
- Verify before paying.
- Slow down — urgency is a red flag.
Golden rules that stop most scams
Most fraud collapses against a few simple habits:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Guaranteed high returns, free money and “can't-lose” deals are bait.
- Never pay a fee to receive money. Legitimate prizes, jobs, loans and inheritances don't require an upfront “release” fee.
- Slow down. Urgency is a manipulation tactic — a real opportunity survives you taking a day to verify it.
- Verify independently. Look up the company, check the scam patterns, and confirm identities through official channels, not links they send you.
Guard your bank and identity
Your credentials are the keys to your money, so treat them accordingly. Never share your OTP, PIN, card CVV, full BVN or online-banking password with anyone — no genuine bank, agency or EFCC officer will ever ask for them, and anyone who does is a fraudster. Be wary of links in unexpected messages (type your bank's address yourself), turn on two-factor authentication where available, and double-check account names and numbers before you transfer. Phishing works by making a fake page or message look official; slowing down to verify defeats it.
If you've already been scammed
Don't freeze from embarrassment — act immediately, because speed decides whether money can be recovered. First, contact your bank and ask them to place a lien / Post-No-Debit on the receiving account. Then report to the EFCC (Eagle Eye app or email) with all your evidence — see how to report. Change any exposed passwords/PINs, warn others about the specific scam, and beware “recovery agents” who ask for a fee to get your money back — that's a second scam. You did nothing shameful by being targeted; reporting is how you fight back.
Frequently asked questions
How can I protect myself from scams?
Never share your OTP, PIN, card details or banking password; verify people/companies before paying; watch for red flags; practise good digital hygiene; and slow down when pressured.
What should I never share?
Your OTP, PIN, card number/CVV and online-banking password — no genuine bank, agency or company asks for these.
What are the biggest scam red flags?
Urgency/pressure, requests for upfront fees, unofficial/look-alike links, and ‘guaranteed’ high returns.
How do I verify a business before paying?
Confirm it independently — e.g. a CAC check — and call official numbers you looked up yourself, being careful with first-time sellers.
What do I do if I’ve been scammed?
Contact your bank immediately to secure your account and report to the EFCC through official channels with your evidence.
How do I avoid getting scammed?
Follow a few rules: treat 'too good to be true' offers as bait, never pay a fee to receive money, slow down when pressured, verify companies and identities independently, and never share your OTP, PIN, BVN or passwords. These habits defeat the great majority of scams.
Should I ever share my OTP or BVN?
No. Never share your OTP, PIN, card CVV, full BVN or online-banking password with anyone — no legitimate bank, agency or EFCC officer will ever ask for them. Anyone who does is trying to defraud you.
How do I verify that an investment is legitimate?
Be sceptical of guaranteed or unusually high returns, research the company and its registration independently, avoid schemes that pressure you to recruit others or act fast, and never invest through links sent to you. If you can't independently verify it, don't put money in.
What should I do if I've been scammed?
Act fast: contact your bank immediately to place a lien/Post-No-Debit on the receiving account, then report to the EFCC with your evidence. Change any exposed passwords, warn others, and ignore 'recovery agents' who demand a fee — that's a further scam.
Are get-rich-quick schemes ever real?
No legitimate investment guarantees high, fast, risk-free returns. Get-rich-quick and 'double your money' schemes are classic Ponzi setups that pay early joiners with later joiners' money and inevitably collapse, leaving most people with losses.