Nigerian Scammers & Yahoo Boys EXPOSED: 30 Nigerian Scams, Tactics & How to Stay Safe

Exposing Nigerian Scammers: The 2025 Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Nigerian Scams Easily

Here's the Gist: Protect yourself from scammers! This IbiFoundry guide reveals shocking Nigerian scam formats, slangs, and tactics you must know to stay safe.

Did you know?

A staggering 60% of online scams in Africa originate from West Africa, with Nigeria accounting for nearly 50% of reported cases.

The Ultimate Guide to Nigerian Scammers: Names, Formats & Tactics

Scammers are everywhere. Though I’ll be exposing some notorious Nigerian scams, most of these tactics apply to fraudsters worldwide.

And trust me, I know firsthand—I was once scammed by a fake freelance client who made me write an entire article and then disappeared.

[Recommended Read: My Personal Story of How a Fake Client Scammed Me]

But today, I’ll help you avoid such heartbreaks. From slangs to scam formats, and even live call tricks, let’s uncover the dark world of Nigerian fraudsters.

What You Will Learn

• Identify Nigerian scam formats and the latest fraud tactics used in 2025

• Understand common scammer slangs like “mugu,” “format,” and “loading”

• Spot red flags in online interactions to avoid romance scams, fake investments, and job fraud

• Discover real-life scam cases with shocking statistics and news on Nigerian and African scammers

• Learn how video call and dating scams work with detailed breakdowns of their techniques

• Find out how to verify scammers using practical tools and steps to check numbers and profiles

• Know how to recover lost money and get expert guidance on what to do if you have been scammed

Table of Contents

• Who is a scammer?

• The Scary Rise of Yahoo Boys in Nigeria

• History and News of Scammers in Nigeria

• Top Statistics on Nigerian and African Scammers

• Worst Cases of Nigerian Scammers

• Most Popular Nigerian Scammers' Slangs

• Popular Nigerian Scams List

• Top Nigerian Scammers Format 2025

• Top Known (and Convicted) Nigerian Scammers

• Nigerian Scammers Video Call Formats

• Nigerian Scammers Dating Formats

• FAQ Section

Who is a Scammer?

A scammer is someone who deceives people to steal money or personal information.

In Nigeria, these fraudsters are commonly known as "Yahoo Boys."

The Scary Rise of Yahoo Boys in Nigeria

Reports indicate that internet fraud contributes over $500 million annually to Nigeria’s economy. This rise can be linked to high youth unemployment, social media influence, and quick wealth fantasies.

A notable example is the infamous Hushpuppi, who flaunted his stolen riches until the FBI caught up with him.

Worse, scam tactics are evolving rapidly. According to INTERPOL, online fraud cases involving Nigerian cybercriminals increased by 42% in 2024.

If this trend continues, more young people will be lured into fraudulent activities, making scamming a bigger crisis.

History and News of Scammers in Nigeria

Scamming in Nigeria isn't new. It dates back to the 419 fraud in the 1980s when scammers sent fake letters promising victims massive returns on investments.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and email fraud took over. By the 2010s, Nigerian scammers had adapted to social media, online dating sites, and cryptocurrency fraud.

Notorious names like Hushpuppi, Mompha, and Invictus Obi have been exposed for running elaborate scams worth millions of dollars.

Recent news reports show that Nigerian fraudsters are no longer operating alone—they now collaborate with international crime syndicates. In 2023, Interpol arrested over 103 Nigerian scammers linked to a global fraud network.

Additionally, many high-profile individuals have been caught laundering money for these fraudsters.

Top Statistics on Nigerian and African Scammers

1. 50% of online scams in Africa originate from Nigeria.

2. 60% of West African cybercrime is linked to Nigerian fraudsters.

3. Over $3 billion has been lost globally to Nigerian scams in the past decade.

4. In 2023, INTERPOL arrested over 100 Nigerian online fraudsters.

5. Nigeria is ranked among the top 5 cybercrime hotspots worldwide.

6. South Africa reported a 33% increase in online scams linked to Nigerian criminals.

7. Over 1,500 Nigerian scam cases were recorded in the U.S. in 2022 alone.

8. 90% of romance scam victims in Africa report financial losses.

9. 25% of cryptocurrency scams in Africa involve Nigerian scammers.

10. In 2024, INTERPOL warned about a new Nigerian scam syndicate targeting European businesses.

    
    

Worst Cases of Nigerian Scammers

1. Hushpuppi: A Nigerian fraudster who stole millions before his arrest by the FBI.

2. The Man Who Sold a Fake Airport: In 1995, Emmanuel Nwude scammed a Brazilian bank out of $242 million by selling a non-existent airport.

3. Invictus Obi: A Nigerian entrepreneur sentenced to 10 years in the U.S. for massive online fraud.

4. Yahoo Boys' Ritual Killings: Some scammers engage in "Yahoo Plus"—rituals to increase their scam success rate.

   
   

Most Popular Nigerian Scammers’ Slangs (20 Slangs)

• Maga

• Wire

• Client

• Format

• Loading

• Picking

• Runs

• Package

• Collect

• Fire

• Drop

• Job

• Wash

• Code

• Work

• Pay

• Transaction

• Billing

• Chopping

• Plug

Popular Nigerian Scams List (30 scams)

1. Yahoo Yahoo

2. Love scams

3. ATM card fraud

4. Fake investment schemes

5. Instagram fake giveaways

6. Ponzi schemes

7. Picking scams

8. Loan fraud

9. Crypto scam

10. Fake jobs ...

Top Nigerian Scammers Format 2025

• Past Formats: Dating scams, ID.me fraud, picking, loading.

• New Trends: AI-generated deepfake videos, cryptocurrency wallet scams, high-tech phishing.

Top Known (and Convicted) Nigerian Scammers (some are alleged please)

1. Hushpuppi

2. Mompha

3. Invictus ObObi

4. B Lord

5. Mr. White

6. Samson Omonua

   
   

Nigerian Scammers Video Call Formats

Nigerian scammers now use deepfake AI to simulate video calls with victims.

They impersonate celebrities, lovers, or officials.

Many also play pre-recorded videos, ensuring the victim never suspects foul play.

Nigerian Scammers Dating Formats

Each dating scam follows a well-rehearsed script. For example:

• Military Romance Scam: "Babe, I’m stuck in Syria and need money to return home."

• Sugar Daddy Format: "I’ll send you $5,000 weekly, just send your bank details."

• Widowed Lover Format: "I lost my wife last year. You are the only one who understands me."

Frequently Asked Questions on Nigerian Scammers

What is the code for scammer in Nigeria?

The code for a scammer in Nigeria is often referred to as "Yahoo Boy" or "G Boy." These terms are widely used in both street slang and social media.

What is 419 in Nigerian slang?

419 is a reference to Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which deals with fraud. It has become synonymous with scams and fraudulent activities in Nigeria.

What is the Nigerian word for scammer?

In Nigeria, scammers are called "Yahoo Boys," "Wire Wire," or "G Boys." These terms are common in local slang, especially in internet fraud circles.

What is mugu in Nigerian slang?

Mugu is a slang word for a victim of a scam. It refers to someone who has been tricked or deceived by fraudsters.

What are scammer numbers?

Scammer numbers are phone numbers used by fraudsters to deceive victims. These numbers are often untraceable, virtual, or belong to stolen SIM cards.

What does 419 mean?

419 refers to fraud-related crimes under Nigerian law. It is commonly used to describe advance-fee scams.

How to check a scammer number?

You can check a scammer number by using a caller ID app, searching it online, or reporting it to fraud databases like Truecaller

Conclusion - Let My Team & I Help You Recover Your Funds from Scammers or Need to Verify a Suspicious Person?

Scammers are constantly evolving, and staying informed is your best defense. If you suspect someone is a fraudster, IbiFoundry is here to help you.

Scammers are constantly evolving, and staying informed is your best defense. At IbiFoundry, we are committed to helping you detect and recover from Nigerian scams. 

Whether you've already fallen victim or you suspect a fraudster, we offer investigative services, scam verification, and expert advice on recovery strategies.

Need to recover lost funds or verify a suspicious person?

My name is Simon Taki Zaku, the founder of IbiFoundry. I grew up in Jalingo, Taraba State, and have traveled across Nigeria, from Lagos to Abuja to Kaduna. 

My experiences have given me deep insights into how fraudsters operate, both in rural areas and major cities.

With over a decade in digital marketing and cybersecurity research, my team and I are well-equipped to guide you in avoiding scams and securing your finances.

If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us for scam detection, fund recovery strategies, or security consultations. 

We handle all investigations with discretion and professionalism, ensuring you stay protected.

Reach out today—let’s help you stay one step ahead of Nigerian scammers!

Simon Taki Zaku

Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry LLC

For the IbiFoundry.com.ng E-magazine.

ibifoundry@gmail.com; simonzakucom@gmail.com.