Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old woman, Modupeola Bamisade, for allegedly defrauding more than 100 unsuspecting victims of over N500m through an online gadget scam.
According to a police source, the suspect specialised in selling iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products, which she advertised online at discounted prices of up to 50 per cent to attract customers.
The source disclosed on Wednesday that Bamisade relied on social media influencers to promote the purported sales, drawing in buyers who made payments for gadgets that were never delivered.
“She is an online vendor who claims to sell iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products. She uses influencers to advertise massive sales, offering about 50 per cent discounts,” the source said.
“She has been operating this way for some time and allegedly duped over 100 individuals, with losses estimated at more than N500m.”
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to using influencers to reach potential customers. “She said she got her clients online through influencers who advertised for her and brought customers,” the source added.
Another police source revealed that her arrest followed a report by one of the influencers, who became suspicious after receiving complaints from buyers who had paid but did not receive their gadgets.
“One of the influencers reported her to the police, and she was subsequently arrested,” the source said.
It was further learnt that several victims later visited the police command to identify the suspect after learning of her arrest.
“One victim said she paid one million naira for a phone. After payment, the suspect claimed the phone had arrived and would soon be delivered, but she kept giving different excuses,” the source explained.
“At some point, someone even called her, pretending to be a delivery rider, but nobody eventually showed up.”
Police sources warned that online fraudsters often lure victims by advertising gadgets at unusually low prices, urging members of the public to verify sellers thoroughly before making payments.
Security agencies have continued to caution residents against the growing trend of online fraud, including fake online sales, dating scams, travel and visa fraud, and other deceptive schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals.
