The Rising Menace of Scammers and Sextortion in West Africa
By Tamba Eric Sourie – Chief Executive, (ICJR)
In recent years, West Africa has witnessed a troubling surge in cyber-related crimes, most notably online fraud, sextortion, and identity theft, affecting not only locals but also unsuspecting global users of social media. From Nigeria to Benin, Liberia to Sierra Leone, the region has become a hotbed for sophisticated scams that wreak havoc on individuals, businesses, and the broader social fabric.
Social media, once celebrated as a platform for connection, business, and empowerment, has been weaponized by a network of scammers who exploit emotional vulnerabilities and technological naivety. Using platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and even LinkedIn, these cyber predators lure victims with fake profiles, romantic overtures, fraudulent business proposals, and unsolicited job offers.
In many cases, victims, especially from Europe, the United States, and even within the continent, are tricked into sharing personal information, explicit photos, or financial data. This opens the door to sextortion, a malicious tactic where scammers blackmail victims by threatening to release compromising material unless money is paid.
The psychological toll on victims is immeasurable. Shame, depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, suicide have been reported. In Sierra Leone, for example, several cases have surfaced of students and professionals being exploited by scammers posing as lovers or employers.
The economic cost is also grave. Millions of dollars are lost annually to fraudulent wire transfers, fake investment schemes, and digital ransom demands. Moreover, the reputation of entire countries is stained, discouraging foreign investment and tourism.
Parents now live in fear over their childrenβs use of mobile devices, as teenagers have become prime targets for manipulation. Meanwhile, honest online entrepreneurs and content creators suffer reduced trust and engagement due to widespread skepticism.
While the motives of scammers are often driven by poverty, unemployment, and peer influence, the deeper problem lies in weak cyber laws, poor digital literacy, and the glorification of fast wealth. Some local communities even idolize scammers, calling them “smart” or βsuccessful,β while the victims are ridiculed for being βnaΓ―ve.β
Law enforcement agencies across the region struggle with limited technical capacity, lack of digital surveillance tools, and weak cross-border cooperation. This allows perpetrators to operate freely across multiple jurisdictions without consequence.
Governments in West Africa must prioritize cybercrime prevention by investing in digital forensics, training law enforcement, and passing strict cybercrime legislation. Regional bodies like ECOWAS should coordinate efforts to harmonize cyber laws and crack down on transnational cyber gangs.
Tech companies also have a role to play by improving verification processes, blocking suspicious accounts, and responding quickly to user reports.
The digital age has brought both promise and peril. While social media can be a tool for empowerment, its abuse by scammers has placed millions at risk. It is high time for a collective response, by users, governments, and tech giants, to curb this digital pandemic. The future of safe digital interaction in West Africa, and indeed the world, depends on how urgently we act today.
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