The emergence of Artificial Intelligence has taken over the world. The digital space in Nigeria has grown to include over 122 million internet users as of 2025. Out of this large number of internet users, nearly 60% have encountered different types of online scams, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Digital fraud, also known as cyber fraud, is a broad term used to describe a series of fraudulent activities targeting individuals financially through electronic means, such as the internet, phones, and apps.

A study published by Social Catfish, a reverse search technology company, found that West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, account for a higher concentration of fraudulent activities across the globe.

The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence, especially in areas of voice cloning, and video manipulation has made scammers more sophisticated with as they have attained greater accuracy in voice imitation and impersonation.

Social problems such as high unemployment and economic pressure have made Nigerians vulnerable to AI-driven digital fraud. These factors have pushed Nigerians to the brink, causing them to seek quick financial opportunities online. In several cases, Nigerians who are desperate and do not have the mental capacity to manage the economic pressure are often open and vulnerable to engage with or apply for online offers.

Poor digital and cyber literacy have also played a broad part in exposing citizens to AI-driven scams. Many social media users, especially those who are not inclined technologically and those who are aged, often do not know how Artificial Intelligence works, and do not know that it can be manipulated for illegal reasons, such as ‘voice cloning’ and ‘deep fake’ videos.

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are the most vulnerable platforms that give scammers the ability to enhance and promote these fraudulent activities, including generating fake images, videos, and documents to advertise fake products and services within a short period; a perfect example is a viral video on TikTok that called on individuals who would like to join in the Japa Syndrome to apply to travel to any country of their choice without paying any amount, only for applicants to later be asked for personal information or hidden fees.

The repercussions of these fraudulent activities are highly disastrous. Many victims suffer high financial loss after paying a huge amount of money to untrusted sources or filling out forms online. Many victims also suffer great emotional trauma, and loss of trust in social media platforms.
Beyond financial damage and emotional distress, digital fraud has also taken a greater toll on businesses and employment in Nigeria’s digital economy. Many online business owners have complained bitterly about the occurrence of scams on digital platforms.

The rise of online scams and digital fraud driven by Artificial Intelligence, points out a growing and significant challenge in Nigeria’s digital space. As discussed, these cyber frauds have raised cries of financial loss, emotional trauma, fears, and shattering trust in digital platforms.

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Artificial Intelligence has grown rapidly and will continue to rise as more AI tools unfold. Nigeria, being particularly affected by the rise of these AI-driven fraudulent activities, needs concerted efforts by policymakers to tackle the rise of AI-aided digital fraud which will only worsen, as Artificial Intelligence evolves.

Individuals and businesses who continue to bear the consequences also need to get more education about the dangers of a digital world where anti-social elements are able to deploy sophisticated tools to execute scams of varied degrees.