Scam texts in Nigeria: how to spot and report them
Most scam messages in Nigeria pretend to be your bank or your network, or they promise money. Here's what they look like and where to report them. Reporting is free.
Common scams in Nigeria
- "Update your BVN or your account will be blocked"
A text or WhatsApp message "from your bank" asking you to click a link or call a number to update your BVN or NIN.
The tell: Your bank will never ask for your BVN, card PIN, password or one-time code (OTP) by text, call or WhatsApp. Call your bank on the number on your card.
More about this scam - "Congratulations, you have won"
A promo "from your network" or a brand, saying you've won cash or airtime and must pay a small fee to collect it.
The tell: If you have to pay to collect a prize, it's a scam. The EFCC has warned about exactly this.
- Job, visa or scholarship offer
An offer you didn't really apply for, which needs a "processing" or "registration" fee first.
The tell: Real employers and embassies don't charge you to get the offer. Don't pay.
More about this scam - "I sent money to your account by mistake"
Someone says they transferred money to you in error and begs you to send it back, sometimes after a fake credit alert.
The tell: Check your balance in your bank app, not the alert. If there really was a mistake, let your bank reverse it. Never send it yourself.
More about this scam - Double your money
An investment, crypto or "contribution" scheme promising fixed high returns, often shared in WhatsApp groups.
The tell: Guaranteed high returns are the sign. Early payouts come from new members' money, until it stops.
Already clicked, paid or shared details?
If you've sent money or shared your PIN or OTP, call your bank at once on the number on your card and ask them to block the account. Anyone who asks for a fee to recover your money is a second scam.
Where to report it in Nigeria
- Report fraud or a scam (free): the EFCC at efcc.gov.ng (Submit Petition, or the EFCC Eagle App), hotline +234 809 332 2644, info@efcc.gov.ng
- In danger now: call 112
- More support lines in Nigeria: findahelpline.com/countries/ng
Contacts checked on each organisation's own website, September 2026.
Warning signs, anywhere
- It's urgent: your account closes today, a parcel is returned tonight, the police are on their way.
- It has a link to pay a small fee, or to "confirm" your details.
- It asks for a PIN, password or one-time code. No real organisation needs these from you.
- A family member is texting from a new number and needs money now.
- It's too good to be true: a prize you didn't enter, a job with no interview, money that doubles.
- It wants payment in gift cards, crypto or a transfer to a "safe" account.
- It asks you to keep it secret, or not to tell your bank.
What to do with a message you're not sure about
- Don't click the link, reply, or call the number in the message.
- Check for yourself: open the company's own app, or type its website address yourself.
- If it claims to be family, call them on the number you already have.
- Report it (below), then delete it.
Help someone else avoid it
Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before. Share this guide with your family or group chat.
Not sure? Ask Alice
Paste the message into a chat and choose "Is this a scam?". Alice lists the warning signs she can see, gives a verdict, and tells you where to report it. Leave out your own account numbers — she never needs them.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. If money has already gone, contact your bank first.