The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerians about a fake airline ticket scam spreading fast in Nigeria.
Scammers are now exploiting malware to gain access to bank accounts through bogus 50% airline ticket promotions online.
According to EFCC, victims of the fake airline ticket scam that is ongoing in Nigeria are tricked into paying N500 as a bait, disguised as a charity contribution or discount fee.
After making this payment, victims are directed to download a fraudulent airline app that compromises their sensitive banking details.
Scammers then siphon money from victims’ accounts to fintech platforms, often bypassing regular bank monitoring systems or alerts completely.
The agency revealed that fraudsters mainly target youths, recruiting them as “account suppliers” to obtain legitimate identification documents.
These fraud groups offer N1500–N2000 in exchange for users’ BVNs, NIN slips, and passport photos for identity laundering purposes.
They later resell these stolen identities to fintech companies for about N5000 per account, facilitating illegal financial transactions nationwide.
EFCC says over 12,000 Nigerians now serve as account donors, fueling money laundering schemes and fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions.
In one reported case, scammers used a foreign airline brand to mislead users with fake promo discounts for tickets.
After downloading the app, victims unknowingly authorized malware to access their accounts and redirect funds to fraudulent fintech wallets.
Fraudsters quickly convert stolen funds into crypto assets, making recovery difficult and transactions untraceable through regular financial systems.
EFCC has confirmed multiple arrests and continues tracing lost funds but warns the public to avoid account donation entirely.
“On no account should Nigerians surrender their identity details as account donors,” the commission said in a firm warning.
The agency described the scheme as a serious threat to national security and urged citizens to remain cautious and alert.
