When Mohammed Yusuf resigned from his “poorly paid” teaching job in Ilorin, Kwara State, in October 2025, he hoped a new source of income would help him survive Nigeria’s economic hardship. After weeks of unsuccessful job searches, he invested borrowed money to begin a Point-of-Sale (PoS) business that he hoped would keep him afloat.
As Mr Yusuf searched online for opportunities, TikTok’s algorithm appeared to understand his search interest. His feed became increasingly populated with video ads promising financial support such as grants, loans, giveaways, and investment opportunities. One advert, carrying OPay’s branding and a convincing Nigerian voice, claimed the fintech company was distributing free PoS machines and N200,000 ($145.15) cash grant to support operators.
Trusting the offer, Mr Yusuf clicked the link to apply and submitted his phone number and OPay account details, unknown to him that the ads are fake AI-generated targeting to lure unsuspecting Nigerian users into scam. Hours later, a man claiming to be an OPay representative called him, discussed where the PoS machine would be delivered and requested a one-time password (OTP) supposedly needed to confirm his eligibility for the grant.
