Fraudsters Exploit Former Lawmaker’s WhatsApp Hack to Dupe Friends of Millions

Friends of Tokunbo Afikuyomi, a former federal lawmaker, fell victim to fraudsters who exploited the hacking of his WhatsApp number on Saturday. The criminals took control of Afikuyomi’s WhatsApp and sent messages to his contacts, requesting financial help. Some friends, unaware of the scam, transferred millions of naira to the account numbers provided by the fraudsters.

Afikuyomi promptly alerted relevant authorities, leading to the identification of certain account numbers and their owners involved in the fraudulent transactions. While expressing dismay at the lack of due diligence in the banking system, he suspended the use of his WhatsApp number and vowed to collaborate with authorities to dismantle the syndicate behind the scam.

The incident highlights the challenges posed by technological advancements and emphasizes the need for caution and verification, especially in responding to financial requests. The former lawmaker commended those who responded promptly to minimize the impact of the scam, and investigations by relevant agencies are ongoing.

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