Picture Used For Illustration As “Yahoo Yahoo” evolves in the digital age, families, faith leaders, tech companies and security agencies confront a crisis threatening the moral and economic future of a generation
The glow of a smartphone screen has become a symbol of opportunity for millions of young people. But beneath the promise of digital connection and quick success lies a growing menace: the surge in online scams and the increasing involvement of youths, many barely out of their teens. From romance fraud and fake investment schemes to identity theft and phishing, cybercrime has expanded in scale and sophistication, leaving victims emotionally and financially devastated while drawing young perpetrators into a dangerous cycle of crime and consequence.
Security agencies say the trend is no longer fringe. It is mainstream, organized and deeply rooted in social pressures. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that a significant percentage of recent cybercrime arrests involve youths between the ages of 18 and 30. “What we are seeing is not just criminality, but a social crisis,” said Mr. Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC. “Many of these young people are intelligent, tech-savvy and capable of legitimate success, yet they are being lured by the illusion of fast money.”
Popularly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo”, the practice has morphed from crude email fraud into a complex digital ecosystem powered by social media, encrypted messaging apps and online marketplaces. Platforms originally designed for connection and commerce are now being exploited for deception. In a statement addressing online abuse, Yahoo Inc. reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward fraud, noting that it works with global law enforcement to detect and shut down scam networks. Similar commitments have been echoed by Meta, Google and Microsoft, all of which report removing millions of fraudulent accounts annually.
Yet technology alone cannot explain the surge. Economists point to unemployment, inflation and widening inequality as accelerants. Sociologist Dr. Amina Lawal of the University of Lagos argues that the glamorization of wealth without work has normalized fraud in some circles. “When society celebrates outcomes without questioning processes, young minds learn the wrong lessons,” she said. “Social media amplifies this by rewarding displays of sudden affluence, often without accountability.”
Victims’ stories reveal the human cost behind the statistics. Mrs. Patricia Collins, a retired nurse in the United Kingdom, recounted losing her life savings to an online romance scam. “The money hurt, but the betrayal hurt more,” she said. “I trusted someone I never met, and it nearly broke me.” Law enforcement officials confirm that such cases are increasingly transnational, complicating investigations and prosecutions.
Parents and educators are also raising the alarm. The National Parents Forum of Nigeria has called for digital ethics to be integrated into school curricula, warning that silence leaves children vulnerable to both becoming victims and perpetrators. “We teach our children how to use devices, but not always how to use them wisely,” said the forum’s chairperson, Mrs. Eunice Adeyemi.
Faith leaders have added a moral lens to the conversation, insisting that the crisis is as much spiritual as it is social. Citing Proverbs 13:11 “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” Pastor Samuel Okonkwo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God described online fraud as “a shortcut that leads to long sorrow.” He noted that many churches now run counseling and skills-acquisition programs aimed at redirecting youths toward honest livelihoods. “The Bible is clear,” he said. “A good name is better than riches, and integrity outlives quick cash.”
Government response has intensified, with the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit expanding digital forensics capacity and partnering with international agencies. However, officials admit enforcement alone is insufficient. “Arrests without prevention only scratch the surface,” said ACP Grace Eze, a cybercrime investigator. “We need community engagement, parental involvement and ethical reorientation.”
There are signs of hope. Tech hubs in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt are training thousands of young people in coding, cybersecurity and digital marketing, proving that the same skills used for fraud can power innovation and employment. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has emphasized entrepreneurship as a pathway away from crime, stating that “empowered youths are less likely to be exploited by criminal networks.”
As the digital economy expands, the choices facing young people grow sharper. The rise in online scams is a warning signal, about values, opportunity and responsibility in a connected world. Scripture offers a sobering reminder in Mark 8:36: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” In that question lies the heart of the matter. The fight against online fraud is not only about protecting victims; it is about saving a generation from trading its future for fleeting gain.
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