Internet fraud, commonly referred to as yahoo, has become a disturbing trend. A lot of fraudulent activities have taken hold in Edo State, leaving residents and business owners reeling from the devastating consequences. From advanced fee fraud (scams) to identity theft, the state has become a hotspot for unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable citizens.
According to reports from the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, cases of fraud have increased by over 30 percent in the past year alone. The command has received numerous complaints of fraudulent schemes, including fake investment opportunities, phishing scams, and fraudulent online transactions.
Recently, the Benin Zonal directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction and sentence of 15 internet fraudsters before Justice A.N Erhabor of Edo State High Court in Benin City. They were accused of being guilty of crimes ranging from false pretences, retention of proceeds of crime to impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents. They all pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them with punishments ranging from two to three years imprisonment or make a N200,000 fine payment each.
Victims of fraud in Edo State have lost millions of naira to scammers, with many left financially ruined. “I lost N500,000 to a fake investment scheme,” said Mrs. Grace Ojo, a resident of Benin City, saying, “I thought I was investing in a legitimate business, but it turned out to be a scam”.
“These people are on any media platform you can think of,” Mrs. Evwanose, another resident of the state said, noting, “In fact, this yahoo appears to be more enticing to the young ones these days as it’s just like a virus that’s spreading to the younger generation”.
It has reached the notice of many that a lot of youths are resorting to internet fraud and no longer feel the need to be educated. In fact, slogans such as ‘school na scam’ and ‘unnecessary societal pressures’ have stood as the motivation to the youths these days. “A lot of these boys are very intelligent and rather too young, I think, that their focus needs to be redirected,” Mr. Ose said. “Why should a 16-year old be feeling pressured to buy a Benz? Why should a 14 or 17 year old girl be living with her yahoo boyfriend and not her parents? When did iPhones become the yardstick for success?” he asked rhetorically.
Among the many societal ills, internet fraud appears to have taken over not only Edo but the nation at large with occurrences internationally and nationally. Interestingly, females have also caught the fraud fever and are now active participants.
Complaints have arisen from residents about the police cooperating with some of these boys who are neck deep in fraudulent activities in exchange for financial gain instead of making them face the law. It has also reached the notice of residents that some parents are aware of their children’s involvement in fraudulent activities but look the other way because of the financial benefits. Some of these parents even allegedly equip their children with gadgets to carry out these activities and also link them up with ‘Ogas’ who put them on the line.
These fraudsters no longer hide their identity but fearlessly display their activities online, display their ill-gotten wealth online and drive in exotic cars. Is this not the same path our politicians follow?
The Edo State government has vowed to tackle the menace, promising to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice. “We will not tolerate fraud in our state,” said Governor Godwin Obaseki, as “we will work tirelessly to protect our citizens and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law”.
Meanwhile, citizens and residents are encouraged to be kept abreast with tactics of fraudsters in order not to fall victim. With the advance in technology, the fraudsters will also get the chance to advance their scam tactics, which makes it important for residents to possess basic technology knowledge. A lot of fake websites, money making apps, scam links and the likes have been used to rob residents of their finances.
Residents are advised to be cautious when conducting financial transactions and to verify the authenticity of investment opportunities. The police have also established a dedicated hotline for reporting suspected fraudulent activities.
Although the case of internet fraud is not limited to Edo State alone, being a nationwide crime, there is hope that someday it will be thoroughly dealt with.