At 8:40 this morning, a con artist who hijacked the Facebook page of an old senior colleague contacted me to try his luck. I played along and got him to forward account numbers into which I was to send the money he requested.
It is possible that the account owners are not in on the fraud. In that case, if you know the owners of the accounts, alert them to the fact that their accounts are being used for fraud. They are a few steps away from EFCC cell’s tenancy.
And if you have a friend who routinely gets people to send money into your account, defriend him immediately. The commission he gives you will not be enough for the trouble you will land into when the law comes calling.
Our conversation is presented below, with the initials of my friend whose account was hijacked.
08:40 JBA
hello
08:55 Me
Hello Sir
08:57 JBA
how are you
10:13 Me
I am ok. And you?
10:13 JBA
am good as well
10:15 Me
Long time. Where are u now?
10:16 JBA
i am presently in benin republic
10:18 Me
What’s happening there?
10:18 JBA
on a visit. but i will be back by friday
10:19 Me
Ok. Enjoy urself while there o!
10:20 JBA
thank you
please i need some help from you
10:27 Me
Ok. What’s up?
10:28 JBA
please i want to make an urgent payment to someone can you help me make the payment i will refund it back to you when i return on friday
10:40 Me
That’s tough. Anyway, how much are we looking at?
10:42 JBA
30,000
10:43 Me
Ok. How should I send it and who is this person?
10:47 JBA
adams edith 3068708518 first bank
10:50 Me
Okay. But it has to be later. I am in the office now. It will take some time to get out. Will let u know when I’ve done it. Cheers
10:50 JBA
okay thank you
10:52 Me
Alternatively, I could use online transfer on my mobile app. What branch is this account
10:53 JBA
lagos
which bank do you bank with
10:54 Me
Access, Marina
10:57 JBA
okay let me see if he has someone with access bank
11:00 Me
Ok
11:10 JBA
0007753116 benjamin ashibuogwu access bank
are you there?
11:15 Me
Sorry. Was attending to something. Okay, I have it. Will try to use this one for easier transaction
11:15 JBA
okay
let me know when it has been done
11:16 Me
Ok
11:43 JBA
are you still on it
11:45 Me
Pls be patient. Attending to smth first. Will buzz when I do
