₦airaland Forum

Scammers are very desperate these days, especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. They use fake deals and irresistible offers to trick buyers. Let me tell you a real-life story to open your eyes to their tactics and help you avoid falling into their trap.

A Costly Lesson: My Friend's Experience
On November 12, 2024, a close family friend in Enugu was scammed by two individuals on Facebook Marketplace. These scammers, Ighodalo Hope Irekponor (PalmPay Account: 8147955704) and Bisola Ojo (Providus Account: 9633782280), posed as sellers offering Jikokoa charcoal stoves at certain bargain prices. They sweetened the deal with a fake promotion: "Buy two, get one free."

Excited, my friend called the number provided (07077533642). Initially, Hope Irekponor handled the call but later passed it on to Bisola Ojo. The conversation seemed legit. After agreeing on delivery arrangements, my friend transferred ₦90,000 to Irekponor’s PalmPay account for four stoves (including two promo units).

Their Tricks And Schemes
After receiving the payment, Hope Irekponor claimed they hadn’t received the transfer. She then insisted that my friend pay the same amount to Bisola Ojo’s Providus account, promising to refund the first payment if it eventually came through.
Smelling trouble, my friend called me for advice. Together, we contacted Bisola Ojo, who confirmed they had received the money and assured that delivery would happen the next day, Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
They even provided a supposed delivery man’s phone number (08169930792). My friend called the man, who claimed to be in Enugu and promised delivery within hours.

The Scam Revealed
The delivery never happened. Days passed, and all attempts to contact the scammers failed. They eventually blocked my friend’s number.
To confirm our suspicions, we reached out to Burns Manufacturing, the makers of Jikokoa stoves, in Opebi, Ikeja. Their response?
• No sales promotion was running.
• The prices offered by the scammers were far too low to be genuine.
• They advised us to report the matter immediately.

What We Are Doing About It
We’re escalating this case to warn others and hold these scammers accountable. We have already reported them to their Bankers and Online market places where they are found.

How You Can Stay Safe
1. Watch Out for Unrealistic Deals: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Verify Sellers: Research their profile and check reviews before paying.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid direct transfers. Opt for payment methods that offer buyer protection.
4. Call the Manufacturer: Contact the official brand to confirm the legitimacy of offers.
5. Record Everything: Save chats, receipts, and phone calls as evidence.

Please Know This
Scammers thrive on trust and naivety. Stay alert, question offers, and never rush into transactions. Let my friend's experience be a lesson to safeguard your hard-earned money.

ResourcePower:
Please Know This
Scammers thrive on trust and naivety. Stay alert, question offers, and never rush into transactions. Let my friend's experience be a lesson to safeguard your hard-earned money.

U said scammer thrive on Trust?? I don't understand ..but you shouldn't have any business trusting someone u don't know and have never seen.... Why do y'all pay individuals for goods u can't see...it's absurd...

Naive?? Why will you afford to be naive in Nigeria....we all born into this cur throat system. Even foreigners are on guard once they hear you are Nigerian....how come a nigerian inside Nigeria go dey lose guard.??

I dey vex.... Where nlfpmod seff??