When online scammers, often referred to as "Yahoo Boys," identify a potential victim who seems likely to send them money, they resort to increasingly malicious tactics, including blackmail. Recently, these cybercriminals have escalated their tactics by producing convincing fake news videos claiming that their victims are involved in criminal activities.
Operating mainly from West Africa, and likely Nigeria, these scammers have begun using videos featuring AI-generated news anchors that falsely report on alleged crimes committed by their targets. A review of Telegram posts by these scammers indicates that they are imitating reputable news organizations like CNN, producing misleading videos to coerce victims into making payments.
In one notable video, a supposed news anchor—introduced by a fabricated name and using CNN’s branding—delivers the alarming news that a victim is being accused of sexually assaulting a young woman. The impersonator unflinchingly discloses the victim’s name and displays their photograph. Other videos have shown even more explicit content, portraying the victims in compromising situations.
David Maimon, an expert in fraud insights, points out that these new tactics aim to humiliate victims and may extend beyond English-speaking individuals. Scammers typically initiate contact by posing as romantic interests to build a relationship, often extracting compromising information or images before revealing their true intentions. When they switch to blackmail, they threaten to expose personal material unless monetary compensation is received.
The scammers often collaborate and share tips on Telegram, where they disseminate techniques for creating these fraudulent news videos. One tutorial within a Telegram channel outlines the process for fabricating news clips, suggesting headlines and incorporating false accusations about distributing intimate images without consent. Such tactics are not just easily replicable; they also highlight the professionalization of online scams.
Brian Mason, a fraud investigator with the Edmonton Police Service, has noted the effectiveness of these fake broadcasts. Victims receiving these messages often panic, believing that they face real legal repercussions. Reports have emerged where victims are depicted in videos accused of engaging with underage individuals, further driving the urgency and stress associated with their demands.
Despite prior efforts by Telegram to eliminate channels associated with these scams, Yahoo Boys continue to have a substantial presence on the platform and other social media sites. This ongoing issue illustrates the evolution of online fraud and the innovative (and often technologically sophisticated) methods scammers employ to exploit their victims.
In addition to videos, scammers use various techniques such as deepfake technology and meme generators to enhance their deception. Some videos purportedly feature victims creating apologies to the scammers, only to be further exploited for blackmail.
As the capabilities and strategies of these cybercriminals evolve, they change their tactics in response to social trends and technology, keeping the public on high alert regarding these emerging threats.
