The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully facilitated the return of $26,000 to Christine Brown, a British national who fell victim to an internet fraud scheme.
According to Wilson Uwujaren, the spokesperson of EFCC, the money was handed over to Brown by the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission on Monday.
Uwujaren explained that Brown expressed her appreciation to the Commission for its dedicated efforts, which have provided her with some relief after losing her life’s savings to the fraudsters.
The 70-year-old victim had lodged a complaint with the Commission after falling victim to an internet fraudster who perpetrated a romance scam.
“Narrating her ordeal, Brown said she became a victim after she met a purported John Barrowman, an entertainer and citizen of America online.
“Unknown to her, he was a fraudster. Brown said they became romantically involved, and the fraudster began to demand money which she sent to him through wire transfers, Bitcoin and gift cards,” Uwajaren said.
“Kanu Idagu, the Zonal Commander, while handing over the recovered fund, said the Commission will continue to discharge its mandate to the betterment of the society.
“We are doing a whole lot in ensuring that victims of fraud are restituted where possible, and we will continue to do more,” he said.
He admonished the public to be circumspect in whatever they do online as fraudsters prowl the internet seeking to defraud unsuspecting victims.
