Report: E-commerce Fraud, Fake Jobs, Tech Support AI scams Targeting Nigerians in 2025

Bennett Oghifo

Nigerians have become the target of AI generated fake e-commerce websites, job and employment fraud, as well as tech support scams, fueling the need for them to be wary of this ugly development in 2025.

This Report is from Microsoft’s latest research which reveals a troubling trend that AI-powered fraud attacks are escalating worldwide. “As Nigeria’s digital marketplace expands, the risk of cyber threats grows proportionally, underscoring the urgent need for robust security measures to keep pace with the accelerated pace of digital growth.

“AI is lowering the technical bar for cybercriminals, making it easier and cheaper to generate believable content for attacks at an unprecedented rate.”

As Nigeria is rapidly emerging as a digital powerhouse in Africa, with internet and mobile phone usage consistently on the rise, the country saw a sharp surge in cyber threats last year, with AI amplifying the scale and precision of cyberattacks on a scale close to ‘pandemic-like’ proportions, according to Deloitte.

“AI technology is giving cybercriminals the tools to create incredibly deceptive scams. With the ability to draw on fake product reviews, AI-generated websites, deepfakes, and voice cloning, these scammers can carry out their campaigns on a massive scale while still appearing authentic. It’s vital for businesses and individuals in Nigeria to keep abreast of developments as these AI-driven tactics become increasingly sophisticated,” said Ola Williams, Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana.

To help people across the country stay one step ahead, Microsoft’s Cyber Signals report offers insight into the most insidious AI scams on the rise.

On e-commerce fraud, the Report states that “Nigeria’s e-commerce adoption is surging, according to Statista, with user penetration surpassing regional averages. As one of the largest e-commerce markets in Africa, Nigeria is making significant strides.

“However, the rise of AI has enabled the rapid creation of fraudulent e-commerce websites, which can now be set up in minutes. These sites mimic legitimate ones, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between real and fake. AI-generated product descriptions, images, and reviews deceive customers into trusting these fake merchants.

“AI-powered chatbots further complicate matters by interacting convincingly with customers, delaying chargebacks with scripted excuses and manipulating complaints to maintain a professional facade.”

Job and employment fraud, the Report said, is also on the rise. “Just six months ago, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) warned citizens about fake job offers. Generative AI has made it easier for scammers to create fake job listings, profiles, and email campaigns, making fraudulent offers harder to detect. What’s more, AI-powered interviews and automated emails enhance the credibility of these scams.

“To tackle this issue, job platforms should implement multifactor authentication to verify employer accounts and use fraud-detection technology to spot fake interviews created by AI, where facial expressions and speech might not match naturally.

“Job hunters should watch for signs of job fraud, such as requests for payment, offers that seem too good to be true, unsolicited interview requests via text, and no formal communication channels. Scammers may also ask for personal information for “verification.” Job seekers should validate websites by checking for secure connections (https) and using tools like Microsoft Edge’s typo protection.”

The Report said tech support scams are deceiving people into paying for unnecessary services by pretending there are problems with their devices or software. Scammers gain access to computers remotely, allowing them to steal information and install harmful software.

“Even without the use of AI, tech support scams are very dangerous. In April 2024, Microsoft Threat Intelligence reported that a cybercriminal group called Storm-1811 exploited Windows Quick Assist by pretending to be IT support. They used voice phishing techniques to impersonate legitimate organisations and gain access to users’ devices.

“Scammers often pretend to be IT support from well-known companies, using social engineering to gain trust and access. Storm-1811’s attacks show how social engineering can bypass a company’s security defenses. It involves gathering information about victims and creating credible lures via phone, email, or text. AI tools can make these tactics more effective by quickly organising and generating information.

“To effectively counter these scams, it’s important to educate employees about the correct procedures for getting helpdesk support. “Implementing Zero Trust principles, which enforce the least amount of access necessary for accounts and devices, can also help reduce the damage if an account is compromised. Employees should be aware that unsolicited tech support offers are often scams and always seek tech support from trusted sources.

“As Nigeria’s digital economy grows, the rise in AI-driven scams reminds us that vigilance, education, and robust security measures are essential. By understanding these threats and empowering ourselves with knowledge, we can create a safer digital world for all,” Williams said.