EFCC Issues Fresh Warning as Airline Ticket Scam Spreads

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong warning about a new scam targeting airline passengers in Nigeria. The fraudsters are now luring people with fake airline ticket discounts.

According to the EFCC, the criminals gain access to personal data using malware hidden in promotional offers.

They use phrases like “Promo” and “Investment Windows” to deceive victims.

Many unsuspecting people end up giving away their account information.

Once the scammers collect this data, they launch financial transactions.

They typically move funds from victims’ accounts to wallets in fintech institutions.

Afterward, they convert the money to cryptocurrencies to hide the trail.

EFCC cited a recent case involving a fake 50% discount promo from a major foreign airline.

The fraudsters tricked victims into paying a small N500 token to a fake account disguised as a charity.

That simple payment became their entry point to access sensitive information.

The agency explained that victims had to download a mobile app to qualify for the fake offer.

But once installed, the app harvested personal data. The scammers then drained money from the victims’ bank accounts and moved it to microfinance banks.

EFCC described the operation as a network driven by young Nigerians who identify as “Account Suppliers” or “KYC Group.”

These actors offer people as little as N1,500 to N2,000 in exchange for their Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identity Number (NIN), passport photographs, and other ID details.

They then sell that data to fintech companies for about N5,000. The fraudsters use the stolen identities to open accounts used in online scams and digital investment fraud.

The commission estimates that over 12,000 individuals are actively seeking account donors across Nigeria. EFCC stressed that anyone who gives out their personal details for money becomes part of the crime.

So far, EFCC has made several arrests and continues working to recover stolen funds. However, the agency urges Nigerians to remain alert and refuse any offer to serve as an “Account Donor.”

The EFCC concluded by warning that aiding fraud, even unknowingly, poses a serious risk to national security.

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