The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is sounding the alarm as the number of petitions flooding in on investment and forex-related scams reaches an alarming high. A staggering sum of N317.9 billion, $3.205 million, and N1.686 billion is at risk, leaving victims devastated and scammers emboldened.
In a recent workshop on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for Journalists held in Lagos, the Acting Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, expressed deep concern over the prevalence of forex scams, business email compromises, investment scams, and land and property fraud in the vibrant Lagos environment.
“Forex scam, business email compromise, investment scams, and land and property fraud, among others, are some of the financial and economic crimes flourishing within the Lagos environment,” stated Mr. Chukkol. “The numbers are staggering. The Lagos Command alone has received a total of 512 petitions on investment scams and 876 petitions on forex-related scams. These cases involve mind-boggling amounts of Naira, dollars, and other currencies.”
While EFCC is diligently investigating these cases and making significant recoveries, the commission is alarmed by the ease with which individuals fall victim to these fraudulent schemes. Mr. Chukkol emphasized the need for public awareness and urged the media to play a vital role in educating citizens about the dangers lurking in seemingly lucrative investment opportunities.
“With the desperation to get rich quick, citizens often become vulnerable to scammers. We have intensified public sensitization efforts, but we need the support of the media to disseminate vital information,” pleaded Mr. Chukkol. “It is our collective duty to expose every criminal act and fight against financial and economic crimes.”
The EFCC implores the media and the general public to be vigilant and circumspect when encountering investment opportunities that promise unrealistically high returns. The battle against corruption and fraud should not rest solely on the shoulders of the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies; rather, it requires the active participation and support of every citizen.
The time to act is now! Stay informed, stay cautious, and let’s join forces to eradicate these pervasive investment and forex scams once and for all.
💰💔 Don’t Be a Victim! EFCC Raises the Alarm as Billions Vanish in Investment and Forex Scams 💔💰
