Nigeria Scams: Advance-Fee, Investment & Online Fraud Guide
Common scams in Nigeria and how to report to the EFCC, FCCPC, and your bank.
Emergency number: 112 or 199 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Nigeria is both a source and a target of fraud. Internationally, Nigeria is associated with advance-fee fraud (sometimes called '419 scams') and business email compromise. Within Nigeria, residents face investment fraud, e-banking phishing, impersonation of government agencies, and job scams. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigates financial crimes including cybercrime, while the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) handles consumer rights complaints. Reporting quickly to your bank and the EFCC gives the best chance of tracing funds.
Common scams
- Advance-fee fraud ('419 scams') targeting overseas victims
- Business email compromise (BEC) and invoice fraud
- Online banking and mobile money phishing
- Investment and ponzi schemes
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging transport and unofficial guides
- Fake ticket and accommodation scams
Online shopping scams
- Mobile banking and USSD code phishing
- Social media marketplace and non-delivery scams
- SIM swap fraud
Job scams
- Fake overseas employment offers requiring upfront fees
- Task scams via messaging apps
Romance scams
- Dating-app and social media romance leading to financial requests
Investment scams
- Ponzi and pyramid schemes targeting communities
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to report and attempt to freeze fraudulent transactions
- Report financial crimes to the EFCC at efcc.gov.ng or contact the nearest EFCC zonal office
- Report consumer protection issues to the FCCPC at fccpc.gov.ng
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately to report fraud and request a transaction hold. The EFCC can investigate financial crimes and cybercrime — report as soon as possible with all transaction details.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is a '419 scam'?
It refers to advance-fee fraud — a scam in which victims are promised a large sum of money in exchange for a smaller upfront payment or assistance. The promised funds never materialise. The name comes from Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code.
How do I contact the EFCC in Nigeria?
You can contact the EFCC via their official website at efcc.gov.ng, by phone at +234 8093322644, or by visiting the nearest EFCC zonal office. Reports can also be submitted by email to [email protected].
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance