Why Online Scams Are Everywhere in Nigeria

Online scams were already a significant problem before 2024. By April 2026, the risks have increased further.

The AI Threat Is Real

In January 2026, popular Nigerian business executive Ibukun Awosika had to publicly debunk AI-generated videos that appeared to show her promoting a fake investment platform. Just weeks later, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, warned Nigerians about an AI-generated video of her endorsing a non-existent investment opportunity.

This means that even videos featuring trusted public figures can be fabricated. Traditional verification methods are no longer reliable.

The “Pay First” Trap

Most online scams follow the same pattern:

1. Scammer posts attractive item at good price

2. You express interest

3. Scammer demands payment before shipping

4. You send money via direct transfer

5. Scammer blocks you immediately

6. Your money is gone forever

This continues to occur because most online platforms do not offer payment protection. Once you send money directly to a stranger, your bank cannot reverse the transaction.

The Only Real Solution: Escrow Protection

What Is Escrow?

Escrow acts as a secure intermediary for your funds. The process on Cusecho is as follows:

Step 1: You find an item you want on Cusecho

Step 2: You pay securely into Cusecho's escrow wallet

    (Money leaves your account but does NOT go to the seller)

Step 3: Seller ships your item

Step 4: You receive and inspect the item

Step 5: You confirm "Yes, this is exactly what I ordered"

Step 6: Cusecho releases the money to the seller

If anything goes wrong:

• The item never arrives → You get every kobo back
• The item is fake or damaged → You get every kobo back
• The item is different from description → You get every kobo back

This process eliminates disputes, the need to negotiate with sellers, or contacting your bank only to be told that nothing can be done.

How Cusecho Protects You (Feature by Feature)

1. Escrow Wallet – Your Money Is Never Gone

When you pay on Cusecho, your funds are held in a secure digital wallet rather than the seller’s bank account. The seller can see that payment has been made, but cannot access the funds.

After you receive your item and verify that it’s exactly as described, you click “Confirm Delivery.” Without your confirmation, payment is not released, which prevents scams.

2. Delivery Confirmation

This is the most effective scam-prevention tool available. Your payment is released only when you are completely satisfied.

If there is an issue, such as the item being fake, damaged, or not as described, report it immediately. Cusecho will hold the funds and investigate. If your claim is valid, you will receive a full refund.

3. Verified Seller Profiles – No More Anonymous Scammers

On Cusecho, sellers must complete verification steps, making it difficult for scammers to operate anonymously:

• Phone number verification
• Bank account verification
• Transaction history visible to buyers
• Ratings and reviews from real customers

Check any seller before buying:

• How many successful sales have they completed?
• What do other buyers say about them?
• How long have they been on the platform?

A seller with over 50 successful transactions and positive reviews is unlikely to risk their reputation by engaging in fraudulent activity.

4. Dispute Resolution Team – Real Humans Who Help You

If an issue arises, Cusecho provides a dedicated dispute resolution team that:

• Investigates claims quickly
• Reviews evidence from both parties
• Makes a fair decision
• Releases your money back to you if the seller is at fault

5. Swap Hub – Trade Without Cash = Zero Financial Risk

This feature is unique to Cusecho. Instead of selling an item for cash and managing payment concerns, you can exchange it for an item you need.

How swapping eliminates scam risk:

• No money changes hands
• Both parties ship items to each other
• Both parties inspect before confirming

Swapping is free on Cusecho and carries no financial risk, as no payment is involved.

Step-by-Step: How to Safely Buy on Cusecho

Buying an Item

Find an item you want on Cusecho. All listings are from verified users

Check the seller’s rating and history. Avoid poorly rated sellers

Click “Buy” and pay into escrow. Your money is held safely

Wait for delivery notification. Seller ships to you

Inspect the item thoroughly.

Confirm Delivery. Only then does seller get paid

Remember to leave a review. Help other buyers stay safe

If the item is not as described: Click “Report Issue” instead of “Confirm Delivery.” Cusecho holds your money and investigates.

Selling an Item

Selling on Cusecho is safer because you can confirm the buyer has paid before shipping:

List your item with clear photos and description

Buyer pays into escrow (you get notified)

You ship the item

Buyer inspects and confirms

Money is released to your wallet

Withdraw to your bank account

You only ship once you have verified that the buyer has committed funds.

Red Flags That Should Stop You Immediately

If you encounter any of these warning signs, discontinue the transaction and use Cusecho instead:

Seller demands direct transfer: The #1 scam tactic. Once you send money directly, it’s gone forever

“Too good to be true” price: An iPhone 15 Pro Max for ₦150,000? It’s a scam

Seller refuses to use escrow: Legitimate sellers have no problem with escrow

No tagged photos or reviews: They don’t want you seeing complaints

Requests for BVN or OTP: Never share this with anyone

If a seller requests direct payment, end the conversation and use Cusecho for the transaction.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed on Another Platform

If you’ve unfortunately fallen victim to a scam on Jiji, Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp, take these steps immediately:

Step 1: Contact Your Bank

Contact your bank’s fraud desk immediately. Although recovery is not guaranteed, as most direct transfers cannot be reversed, prompt action may assist.

Step 2: Report to Authorities

• EFCC Cybercrime Unit — Report through their official channels
• Nigeria Police Force — National Cybercrime Center — npf.gov.ng

Step 3: Warn Others

Post about your experience on social media with the scammer’s:

• Account name/handle
• Phone number(s)
• Bank account number

Step 4: Switch to Cusecho for All Future Transactions

After experiencing a scam, it becomes clear that you should never pay strangers directly. Using Cusecho’s escrow protection would have prevented the loss.

Final Word

Online scams in Nigeria continue to increase. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using AI-generated videos and fabricated testimonials to appear legitimate.

The solution is straightforward: never pay a stranger directly online.

Cusecho was made to address this issue. Every transaction is protected by escrow, ensuring your funds remain secure until you receive and confirm the item matches your order.

• No more sellers who disappear after payment
• No more fake products and empty boxes
• No more begging your bank to reverse a transfer
• No more losing your hard-earned money

Join thousands of Nigerians who have protected themselves from online scams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get scammed on Cusecho?

The short answer is no, provided you follow the platform’s process. As long as you pay through Cusecho’s escrow wallet and do not agree to pay a seller directly outside the platform, your funds are protected.

What if the seller sends a different item?

You do not confirm delivery. Instead, you click “Report Issue” and Cusecho’s dispute team investigates. Your money stays in escrow until the issue is resolved. If the seller is at fault, you get a full refund.

What if the item arrives damaged?

Same process. Do not confirm delivery. Report the issue immediately. Cusecho holds your money while investigating. Damaged items typically result in a full refund.

Is Cusecho free to use?

Yes, signing up and listing items are totally free. However, premium features like priority listing or logistics services and other premium features that will be introduced in the future may come with additional costs.

Does Cusecho work for high-value items like phones and laptops?

Yes. Escrow protection is especially important for high-value items. Do not purchase phones, laptops, or other expensive items on platforms without escrow.

What’s the Swap Hub?

The Swap Hub allows you to trade items with other users without any money changing hands. Both parties ship items to each other, eliminating financial risk since no payment is involved.

Download the Cusecho App today on Google Play and App Store to buy, sell, and swap with confidence.

Protect your hard-earned money by using escrow protection.