Aviation experts have advised air travellers to purchase tickets only through accredited travel agents or official airline platforms to avoid falling victim to fraudsters targeting unsuspecting passengers.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a large-scale flight ticket fraud scheme in which hundreds of passengers were defrauded of their savings after responding to fake discounted airfare offers, in which over 700 passengers lost at more than N651.9 million.
The fraud, allegedly masterminded by a foreign national working with Nigerian collaborators, involves the circulation of unsolicited messages to potential victims, offering flight tickets at heavily discounted rates. Once a victim clicks on the link provided and makes payment, funds in the bank account used for the transaction are allegedly wiped out.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, said the scheme exploits unsuspecting passengers who are lured by seemingly attractive airfare deals.
Aviation stakeholders noted that fraudsters capitalised on the widespread complaints over rising airfares to deceive travellers desperate for cheaper options.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the General Secretary of the Aviation Round Table Initiative (ARTI), Olumide Ohunayo, urged passengers to exercise caution and ensure all bookings are made through verified channels.
According to him, passengers should either book directly on official airline websites, where ticket details can be easily cross-checked, or patronise travel agents accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“Victims are often like those caught in romance scams, where even poorly written messages convince people to part with their money,” Ohunayo said. “In this case, fraudsters took advantage of the frustration around high airfares and introduced fares that appeared attractive but were unrealistic.
“What passengers must understand is that any fare that is significantly lower than the prevailing market rate should immediately raise a red flag. The safest options are to book through verified airline platforms or deal with recognised, accredited agents. When in doubt, passengers should visit the agent’s office in Nigeria or send someone to physically confirm the booking before making payment.”
He also urged victims to report such incidents promptly to security agencies to prevent further losses.
Similarly, a travel agent who spoke on condition of anonymity advised victims not to suffer in silence, stressing that reporting fraud cases could help protect other travellers.
Top members of the National Association of Travel Agents (NANTA) echoed this view, noting that timely reporting is critical to curbing the activities of fraudsters.
“It is important that victims speak up and report these incidents to the appropriate security agencies,” a NANTA member said. “This is key to stopping the syndicates before they defraud more people.”
Investigations by the EFCC revealed that the probe began after seven initial complaints. However, the number of victims has since risen to over 700, with losses estimated at more than N651.9 million.
Uwajaren disclosed that over 900 Nigerians have fallen victim to the airline ticket fraud and other related investment scams currently under investigation by the commission.
He explained that the fraudsters typically advertise discounted tickets linked to a foreign airline, with payment structures designed to appear legitimate. Once payment is made, victims discover that their bank accounts have been emptied.
The EFCC has warned the public to be wary of suspicious online offers and urged passengers to conduct proper due diligence before engaging in discounted ticket purchases.
