“Nigeria is not even in the top 10 internet scammers’ nations, yet we are the loudest,” wrote Stephen Osemwegie in response to the clip, echoing a frustration felt by many who believe Nigeria is unfairly stigmatised.
A viral video has exposed a Philippines-based call centre falsely claiming to operate from Abuja, Nigeria, highlighting how foreign fraudsters exploit Nigeria’s reputation for cybercrime.
Footage shows scammers in Cebu City telling victims they are “local here in Abuja” while Googling Nigeria’s capital—a tactic reinforcing unfair stereotypes. The clip has sparked outrage, with netizen Stephen Osemwegie noting: “Nigeria is not even in the top 10 internet scammers’ nations, yet we are the loudest.”
The EFCC’s 2024 raids in Abuja and Lagos—which arrested over 300 foreigners, including Chinese and Filipinos—revealed similar schemes using Nigeria as a cover. A Victoria Island bust uncovered a training hub for global fraudsters.
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