EFCC Arrests 105 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting on intelligence about emerging internet scams involving foreign nationals, dismantled another fraud syndicate in Abuja. This group specialized in a hotel review scam, primarily targeting victims in the United Kingdom.
A total of 105 individuals were arrested at Naka Hall Plaza on Abutu Garba Street in Gudu, Abuja. Among them were four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians. Additionally, 100 compact workstations were recovered from the suspects.
How the Scam Works
The hotel review job scam is a widespread internet fraud that has recently surfaced in Nigeria. The operation typically involves Chinese individuals who recruit computer-savvy Nigerians as Customer Service Representatives. These representatives work with pre-designed fraudulent templates, using fake foreign identities to engage with potential victims.
The scam works by deceiving victims into believing they are being hired to review hotels online. Initially, the victims are promised $5 for each review they complete. As they continue, they are encouraged to review more hotels, with the payment increasing to $10 per review. Eventually, the victims are persuaded to make hotel bookings, often costing as much as $500, with the assurance that they will receive a hefty return, deposited into a crypto wallet under their name. However, once the booking is made, the victim is unable to access the wallet, and their money is lost.
This sophisticated scam primarily targets individuals in Europe and other parts of the world, with an elaborate structure designed to defraud them.
The EFCC is collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to investigate the global scope of this crime.
A Follow-up to the Lagos Arrests
This recent operation in Abuja comes just a month after EFCC operatives apprehended 792 suspected fraudsters in Lagos on December 10, 2024.
