The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians to stop selling their National Identification Number (NIN) and personal data for as little as ₦1,500, stressing that such actions pose serious risks to national security and individual safety.
The warning came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that many Nigerians, particularly young people, are paying between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 to obtain copies of other people’s personal data, including NIN, which they then resell to Fintech companies for up to ₦5,000.
According to the EFCC, “this fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians offering a paltry payment of between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 to their victims to make them surrender a copy of their personal information details to them and sell the same information to some Fintech Institutions for about ₦5,000.”
Reacting to the disclosure, NIMC said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kayode Adegoke, “The NIMC wishes to state clearly that it will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for the purpose of financial gain or inducement.”
The Commission also reminded the public that disclosing one’s NIN to unauthorized individuals or organizations is dangerous.
“Nigerians have been informed repeatedly in the past by the NIMC not to disclose their NIN to any unauthorised individual or organisation. Equally of note is that any NIN presented to access services must be duly verified before granting such services. Nigerians and service providers should note.”
NIMC urged Nigerians to use its official application to protect their personal data. “The general public is by this notice enjoined to download the NINAuth App on either Apple iOS or the Google Play Store to enjoy seamless benefits, including but not limited to protection and security of the NIN, the power to control personal information on the NIN, and so many more!”
Meanwhile, the EFCC also raised concern about a related form of cyber fraud involving fake airline promotions. The agency said fraudsters now use fake “Promo” and “Investment Window” offers to trick people into giving up their banking details, which are then used to siphon money through Fintech and microfinance platforms.
According to the Commission, “the scheme involves the use of malware to gain unauthorised access to the account information of unsuspecting victims,” and that victims are lured into downloading malicious apps disguised as airline ticket promotions.
In one case cited by EFCC, a fake promo promising a 50% discount on flight tickets led victims to download a malicious app. “The ₦500 payment which is now dressed as Charity payment is the leeway through which the fraudsters gain access to their victim’s personal information. The victims were deceived into downloading the App of the airline to be eligible for the discount. However, after downloading the App and gaining unauthorised access to their personal details, funds were moved from the victim’s bank account into an account in a Microfinance Bank.”
The EFCC further disclosed that fraud rings, often called “Account Suppliers” or the “KYC Group,” are operating across the country. “Information available to the Commission revealed that the actors are up to 12,000 all over the country seeking account donors that will surrender their NIN registration slip, BVN, passport photograph and other means of identification for a little fee. This information is then used to open accounts with Fintech companies for investment scam and sundry fraudulent schemes.”
The anti-graft agency warned Nigerians to stay alert, “Members of the public are enjoined to be wary of these actors and on no account should any Nigerian agree to be an Account Donor for any purpose as this is a threat to national security.”
“The EFCC is committed to safeguarding the financial space of the nation in the overall interests of all Nigerians,” the Commission added.
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