How to Spot and Avoid Fraudulent Transactions Online in 2025

Online fraud is one of the biggest threats facing Nigerians today. From fake investment schemes to fraudulent bank alerts, scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people. In 2025, as more people move their financial lives online, it has become even more important to understand how to protect yourself.

Here’s what you need to know about spotting and avoiding fraudulent transactions:

1. Watch Out for Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

Scammers often lure people in with “amazing” deals — whether it’s unusually cheap data bundles, airtime promos, or investment opportunities with unrealistic returns. If the offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Always Verify Before Sending Money

Before making payments to a new account, confirm that the business or individual is legitimate. You can:

• Look up reviews online

• Check the official website or social media pages

• Call customer support directly

3. Pay Attention to Bank Alerts and SMS

Fraudulent alerts are common. Always cross-check your bank balance directly from your banking app or USSD before assuming a payment has been received. Fake SMS messages are one of the most used scam tricks.

4. Use Trusted Payment Platforms

One of the easiest ways to avoid fraud is to only transact on secure, reliable platforms. For instance, payment apps like Vastel allow you to buy airtime, data, and pay bills with confidence, because transactions are processed securely and receipts are generated instantly.

5. Protect Your Personal Information

Never share your PINs, passwords, or OTPs with anyone, not even customer service representatives. A genuine platform will never ask for these details.

Lastly,

Fraud may not go away completely, but you can stay ahead of scammers by being informed and careful. Always verify before you pay, and choose platforms that prioritize user safety.