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.
The official channels
You can report to the EFCC via:
Gather your evidence
Before reporting, collect all the proof you can: chat/email messages, phone numbers, account names/numbers, transaction receipts and screenshots, and a clear timeline of what happened.
You don’t have to be the victim
You can report even if you’re not the direct victim — information about a known fraudster or suspicious activity is valuable (see whistleblowing).
Also tell your bank
If your bank account or card is involved, contact your bank immediately to secure it — banks report fraud to the EFCC and CBN and can help protect your funds.
Stay safe
Report only through official EFCC channels. Never pay anyone who promises to “recover” your money for a fee, and never share your OTP or PIN.
Tips
- Act fast — early reporting helps.
- Keep copies of all evidence.
- Provide accurate information (false petitions are an offence).
Before you report: gather and preserve evidence
A few minutes of preparation makes your report far stronger. Before you file, preserve everything: take screenshots of chats, emails, adverts and profiles (in case they're deleted), save transaction records and account numbers, and note dates, times and amounts. Crucially, don't delete your conversations with the fraudster or block them before capturing the evidence — those records are exactly what investigators need. Organise it all into one place so you can attach it to your petition or Eagle Eye report.
Get and keep your reference number
Whichever channel you use, always obtain a reference or complaint number and store it safely — it's your proof that you reported and your key to following up. If you gave a formal statement, keep your copy. When you follow up, quote the reference number and the name of the investigating officer if you have it. A calm, organised complainant who can quote their reference is much easier for the EFCC to help than one starting from scratch each time.
Beware 'fund recovery' predators
A cruel second wave of fraud targets people who've already been scammed: fake “fund recovery agents” or people posing as EFCC officials who promise to get your money back — for an upfront fee. This is itself a scam. The EFCC does not charge you to investigate, and no legitimate party can guarantee recovery for a fee. Report only through the official channels, never pay anyone promising a refund, and treat unsolicited “we can recover your money” messages as fresh red flags. See how to avoid scams.
Frequently asked questions
How do I report fraud to the EFCC?
Via the online petition portal on efcc.gov.ng, the EFCC hotline or email (
[email protected]), or any EFCC zonal office — with your evidence.
What evidence do I need to report a scam?
Chat/email messages, phone numbers, account names/numbers, transaction receipts and screenshots, and a clear timeline of events.
Do I have to be the victim to report?
No — you can report information about a known fraudster or suspicious activity even if you’re not the direct victim.
Should I contact my bank too?
Yes — if your account or card is involved, contact your bank immediately to secure it; banks also report fraud to the EFCC and CBN.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery is possible but not guaranteed — report promptly, and never pay anyone who promises to ‘recover’ funds for a fee.
How do I prepare before reporting fraud to the EFCC?
Preserve all evidence first: screenshot chats, emails, adverts and profiles before they can be deleted; save transaction records and account numbers; and note dates, times and amounts. Don't delete or block the fraudster before capturing everything, then organise it to attach to your report.
Should I keep my chats with a scammer?
Yes — don't delete conversations or block the scammer until you've captured screenshots and saved the records. Those chats, transfers and account details are exactly what EFCC investigators need to build a case.
Why is a complaint reference number important?
It's your proof that you reported and your key to following up. Always obtain and store your reference/complaint number, keep a copy of any statement, and quote the number (and the investigating officer's name if known) whenever you follow up.
Are 'fund recovery agents' who promise to get my money back legitimate?
Almost never. Fake fund-recovery agents — sometimes posing as EFCC officials — target people who've already been scammed and demand an upfront fee. The EFCC doesn't charge you to investigate, and no one can guarantee recovery for a fee. Treat such offers as a fresh scam.
Does the EFCC charge a fee to investigate my complaint?
No. Reporting to and being investigated by the EFCC is free. Anyone demanding payment to 'process', 'speed up' or 'guarantee' your case or refund is attempting to defraud you.