But here's the catch: many scammers, especially those posing as importers or sellers on WhatsApp, go completely dark when asked the most basic question — "Can you share your social media handles so I can follow you?"
🚨 Red Flag Alert: If someone reaches out to you on WhatsApp for business, claims to be a supplier, importer, or vendor — yet tells you they don’t use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter) — that’s a major red flag. In most cases, it’s a signal that the person could be a fraudster trying to stay anonymous and untraceable.
Why This Matters Now
According to recent reports by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and cybersecurity experts in 2025, online scams via messaging apps like WhatsApp have risen by over 37% in Nigeria and across Africa in the last year. Fraudsters exploit the lack of accountability on encrypted platforms to deceive unsuspecting victims — especially in the areas of importation, real estate, and forex.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Always ask for verifiable social media links.
✅ Check for consistency in names, photos, and engagement.
✅ Cross-reference business claims with registered business directories like CAC, LinkedIn, or Google My Business.
✅ Don’t send money without video calls or physical verification.
In the age of transparency, having zero social media presence is highly uncommon — especially for businesses. Asking for social media handles is now a simple but powerful test to verify identity and integrity. Don’t fall victim. Stay smart, stay safe.
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