In the initial phase of advanced fee fraud in the nation, those involved, referred to as 419ers, fraudsters, or guymen, were typically older, unemployed, and ruthless. They opted to deceive individuals rather than engage in armed robbery. Their primary targets were affluent foreigners who fell victim to their scams, often seen as ‘mugu.’ Many of these victims were labeled as ‘long throat’ (greedy) individuals who believed the fraudsters could double their money.
Initially, the 419ers reached out to their victims through letters before transitioning to GSM communication, famously known as 090, which phonetically resembled ‘not 9 not.’
Times have significantly changed, largely due to advancements in technology. Additionally, foreign victims have become more aware of the fraudsters' tactics, leading to a decrease in successful scams.
Now, we have the Gen Zs. One commonality they share with their predecessors is unemployment. Instead of resorting to armed robbery like many did in the past, they utilize their phones and laptops.
These tech-savvy youths are often underestimated, but they can be just as ruthless. Their methods have evolved beyond simple scams; voodooism has also been incorporated, leading to the term Yahoo, Yahoo plus. Besides unemployment, many Gen Zs engage in Yahoo business as a coping mechanism, feeling abandoned and powerless in Nigeria's current situation. This desperation drives many to scam their way out of the country, contributing to the japa syndrome.
This generation of Yahoo plus individuals does not discriminate; family members, friends, neighbors, and anyone else can become victims. They believe scamming is a preferable alternative to armed robbery, fearing the consequences of jungle justice. They employ various tactics to defraud their targets.
It is disheartening that due to poverty and the desire for quick wealth, many parents ignore their children's criminal activities. Some even, including fraudulent religious leaders, support and pray for their success as scammers, which is a complete moral decline.
POS operators have faced severe challenges from these scammers. Whether through fake alerts or clever deception, they have suffered losses. For instance, a female customer might request a withdrawal of 10,000 naira but delete a ‘0’ before entering her pin, leading the operator to give her 10,000 naira only for the alert to show 1,000 naira, resulting in a loss of 9,000 naira in seconds. It’s not just boys involved in Yahoo Yahoo; many young girls are also in relationships with these scammers, often learning to defraud others for survival. Unfortunately, some end up as victims of money rituals.
Recently, a mother created a scene in a business setting when she confronted the boy who impregnated her 14-year-old daughter. The girl had run away to live with her Yahoo boyfriend for months, but he eventually kicked her out after she nearly died trying to abort the baby. Instead of addressing the issue, the illiterate mother publicly shamed her daughter. What was a 14-year-old child even doing in such a situation?
Given that Nigeria's leaders have failed to create a conducive environment for the youth to thrive, they must recognize that the Yahoo Yahoo business is jeopardizing our future.
The money these young men earn is largely squandered on women, alcohol, hair styling, and trying to look trendy like Americans; it lacks any real purpose. However, the police do not permit them to enjoy their ill-gotten gains. Their appearance is a clear indicator – if you see a young man with earrings, nose rings, braided hair, no belt, and flashy clothes, the police will approach him. Frequently, we witness them being forced into police cars after their phones and bodies are searched. They are often released after paying a bribe. How can we progress in such a situation?
Now, they are not just taking our girls but also infiltrating our neighborhoods. Once they gain some success, they rent rooms in previously untouched areas of the city, turning them into their 'hideouts.' Greedy landlords take advantage of this by raising rent prices, making it unaffordable for the average person. Naturally, young women flock to them like scavengers. They often act as live-in partners. They are unashamed of engaging in street brawls. Such disrespectful behavior. We are truly losing these girls. With their presence in any neighborhood, there’s always a party happening. The reasons for their celebrations are unknown to the rest of the community. Yet, the loud music from their speakers affects everyone. It becomes even more unbearable if you dislike the music's lyrics. You might find yourself unintentionally listening to 'Omblee, Omblee, Omblee' for over two minutes, whatever that means. After the parties, the area is left in disarray with discarded cups, water sachets, and empty bottles. Indeed, these boys are becoming a societal nuisance.
It may surprise you to learn that even secondary school boys are now involved in Yahoo schemes. It’s no longer just the unemployed. Recently, at a CBT Centre, after completing his JAMB form, a boy rushed back to the coordinator asking to amend his form. Can you guess why? He claimed he accidentally entered his Yahoo email instead of the one meant for school. This reflects the extent of moral decline among the youth.
Our leaders, who have done little to secure a better present and future for these intelligent Gen Zs, are still preparing to remain in power. Nigerians are expressing their frustration that the older generation has failed. Just think about the kind of elders these Yahoo plus Gen Zs will evolve into in the future. Hmnnn!
(Source: Vanguard Newspapers)
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