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Common Scams to Watch For in Nigeria

The scams the EFCC deals with most — and the red flags that give them away.

By Belmadeng Editorial · Updated 22 Sept 2026

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.

On this page

Advance-fee fraud (419)

You’re promised a big payout (an inheritance, contract, prize or lottery) but must first pay “fees”, “taxes” or “charges”. The payout never comes. Never pay to receive money.

Romance scams

A stranger builds an online relationship, then invents an emergency and asks for money or gifts. Be wary of anyone you’ve never met asking for money.

Investment & Ponzi schemes

“Guaranteed” high returns with little risk, pressure to invest fast, and rewards for recruiting others. If returns sound too good to be true, they are.

Phishing & impersonation

Fake messages/sites pretending to be your bank, a agency, or a company, tricking you into revealing your password, OTP, PIN or card details. Real institutions never ask for these.

Fake jobs & recruitment

“Job offers” (including fake agency recruitment) that ask for a payment to apply or process — always a scam.

Universal red flags

  • Pressure/urgency to act now.
  • Requests for upfront payment or your OTP/PIN.
  • Too-good-to-be-true offers.
  • Unofficial links and look-alike sites.

See how to protect yourself and how to report.

Frequently asked questions

What is 419/advance-fee fraud?
A scam where you’re promised a big payout but must first pay fees, taxes or charges that keep coming — the payout never arrives. Never pay to receive money.
What is a romance scam?
When someone builds an online relationship, then invents an emergency to ask for money or gifts — be wary of anyone you’ve never met asking for money.
How do I spot an investment scam?
Watch for ‘guaranteed’ high returns, pressure to invest quickly, and rewards for recruiting others — if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
What is phishing?
Fake messages or sites impersonating your bank or an agency to steal your password, OTP, PIN or card details — real institutions never ask for these.
Are pay-to-apply job offers real?
No — legitimate employers (and agencies like the EFCC) don’t ask you to pay to apply; that’s a scam.

Related EFCC guides

Protect yourself · Report a scam · BVN scams · All EFCC guides

Reviewed: 22 Sept 2026 · Author: Belmadeng Editorial. Independent, informational guide, not affiliated with the EFCC. Always confirm details on the official EFCC channels.