The Declutter Deception: A Digital Fraud Story

In the digital age, online shopping has become increasingly popular, but it also opens the door to various fraudulent schemes. One such scheme involves a fraudster who steals images of items from legitimate declutter businesses and masquerades as a genuine seller. By creating enticing advertisements on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, they attract potential buyers looking for great deals.

Once a victim expresses interest in an item, the fraudster requests payment upfront, often using persuasive tactics to instill urgency or fear of missing out. After the initial contact, they smoothly transition the conversation to WhatsApp, where they can manipulate the situation further and avoid detection.

Our investigative team has been diligently tracking this fraudulent campaign since it began in January 2024. We have identified several individuals participating in this widespread scam, gathering evidence from multiple accounts linked to their activities. Many of these fraudsters maintain active Instagram pages, run Telegram channels, and utilize moderator accounts on Telegram to manage communication and further deceive potential victims. Our findings suggest that this operation involves a network of five to ten young people, primarily based in Edo State. The evidence collected includes screenshots of conversations, records of transactions, and links to the fraudulent accounts, painting a clear picture of a well-organized scheme designed to exploit unsuspecting consumers.

Indicators of Compromise

08024361031 - Initial number that contacted victim from Instagram Ad
07045475014 - The phone number sent for pick up
6791908265 – Omoalu Francis – Moniepoint
5793970544 - ODION SHELU - Moniepoint

Recommendations for Protection

To safeguard yourself from falling victim to similar scams, consider the following recommendations:

1. Verify Sellers: • Check the legitimacy of the seller by researching their online presence. Look for reviews, ratings, and any red flags that may indicate fraud. • If the seller claims to be associated with a legitimate business, verify their affiliation through official channels.
2. Avoid Upfront Payments: • Be wary of sellers who demand payment before you receive the item. Legitimate businesses typically allow for secure payment methods that protect the buyer.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods: • Utilize payment platforms that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal or credit cards, which can help you dispute unauthorized transactions.
4. Communicate on Trusted Platforms: • Keep all communications on the platform where the transaction originated. Be cautious when moving conversations to private messaging apps like WhatsApp, as it makes it harder to track fraudulent activity.
5. Look for Signs of Fraud: • Be alert for poor grammar, generic responses, and a lack of detailed information about the item. Scammers often use templates and may not have specific knowledge about the products they are selling.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: • If you encounter a suspicious seller, report them to the platform (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and to local authorities like ngCERT, 243 Cyber Task Force. Your report could help prevent others from becoming victims.
7. Educate Yourself: • Stay informed about common scams and tactics used by fraudsters. Awareness is key to recognizing potential threats before they escalate. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams and help create a safer online marketplace for everyone.