Scammers on Facebook are tricking Nigerians into sharing bank details by promising fake government grants.
A Facebook page called Government Grants is luring Niikigerians to disclose their bank details with promises of nonexistent financial aid. On Monday, the Fraud Investigation Journal (FIJ) reported that the page used an AI-generated image of a woman speaking in Yoruba, inviting users to sign up. The post specifically mentioned popular banks in Nigeria, including Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, FirstBank, and United Bank for Africa (UBA).
The AI character in the video encouraged viewers, saying: “If you use any of the banks listed below, there is no need for you to comment. Press the sign-up button and get N30,000 weekly.” However, the video caption offered a different amount, stating: “The opportunity to win N50,000 is waiting for you! Click on now, check out options.”
The FIJ noted that the post, made in the first week of December, had attracted about 4,100 likes, 1,600 comments, and had been shared 315 times. Many Nigerians, hoping to receive the grant, responded by posting their bank details in the comments section, potentially putting their personal information at risk.