YOLA, Nigeria — The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting customers with dummy phones, authorities have confirmed, as the command warns residents to remain vigilant against the rising trend of phone scams in the state
The suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed pending the conclusion of investigations, were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by operatives of the command. According to police sources, the suspects specialised in selling fake or dummy phones to unsuspecting buyers, often posing as genuine sellers offering attractive deals.
The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the arrests in a statement, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect residents from financial exploitation. The command urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing phones from unverified sources and to verify the authenticity of devices before making payments.
Phone scams have become increasingly prevalent across Nigeria, with fraudsters employing various tactics to deceive victims. Scammers often use urgent language to pressure victims into making quick decisions, claiming to be from well-known organisations or offering deals that appear too good to be true. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information, threats of arrest or blackmail, and offers of quick, easy money with little risk.
The Adamawa State Police Command has advised residents to screen unknown numbers, let calls from unfamiliar sources go to voicemail, and never use contact details provided by a caller. Instead, individuals should call the organisation or person back on a phone number found independently, such as on their official website. The command also warned against giving anyone remote access to computers or mobile devices.
The arrests come amid heightened security measures in Adamawa State, where the police have intensified patrols and surveillance to curb criminal activities. The state has experienced various security challenges, including incidents of fraud and cybercrime, which have prompted increased vigilance by law enforcement agencies. The police have also been actively engaged in community outreach to educate residents on how to avoid falling victim to scams.
The command warned that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced tactics such as identity theft, SIM swap attacks, and artificial intelligence-powered deception to defraud unsuspecting citizens. Fraudsters often obtain personal information through phishing or data leaks, hijack victims’ SIM cards to intercept one-time passwords, and gain access to banking applications to transfer funds.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are being interrogated as investigations continue. The police have assured that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The Adamawa State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting residents from fraud and other criminal activities, urging the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
