Tech Embed Scam Signals
A practical evidence hub for recurring digital scam patterns affecting Nigerian technology users.
Scam Signals brings Tech Embed’s security reporting and verification tools into one maintained reference. It is not a claim to measure every scam in Nigeria. It documents recurring warning patterns readers can check before they click, pay, share credentials or trust an online identity.
Signals we track
Fake payment and transfer evidence
A screenshot, SMS or app notification is not sufficient proof that money has reached an account. Verify the receiving account balance or transaction history independently before releasing goods or services.
Impersonation and fake customer care
Lookalike usernames, urgent requests to move into private messages, requests for OTPs or PINs and newly created support accounts are high-risk signals. Confirm support channels from the organisation’s own website or app.
QR-code and link substitution
A QR code hides the destination until it is scanned. Treat unexpected codes and shortened or visually deceptive links as untrusted until the destination is checked.
SIM-swap and account takeover
Unexpected loss of mobile service, unexplained authentication prompts and sudden password-reset messages can indicate an account or SIM problem. Contact the relevant provider through a verified channel rather than through a link in the suspicious message.
Remote-job and opportunity fraud
Requests to pay before employment, unverifiable company identities, pressure to communicate only through informal channels and requests for sensitive documents before basic verification deserve additional checks.
Use the evidence, not one signal alone
A warning sign does not automatically prove fraud. Tech Embed recommends combining identity checks, destination checks, independent account verification and direct confirmation through official channels.
Practical Tech Embed resources
Scam and Link Checker · Fake bank transfer alerts · SIM-swap fraud · QR-code phishing · Remote-job verification
Research standard
This hub follows the Tech Embed Research Methodology. Future quantified scam datasets will be labelled separately and will state their collection period and limitations.