Microsoft has raised alarm over a new wave of artificial intelligence-powered scams threatening Nigeria’s growing digital economy, identifying e-commerce fraud, job scams, and tech support fraud as the top three AI-driven schemes to watch in 2025.

The tech giant disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, warning that the increased accessibility of generative AI tools is helping cybercriminals scale up their operations with alarming precision and believability.

“As Nigeria’s digital economy grows, the rise in AI-driven scams reminds us that vigilance, education, and robust security measures are essential,” said Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams.“By understanding these threats and empowering ourselves with knowledge, we can create a safer digital world for all.”

According to Microsoft’s Cyber Signals report, the proliferation of generative AI is making it easier and cheaper for scammers to produce convincing fake content.

In 2024 alone, deepfake-related fraud incidents in Africa surged sevenfold, with criminals using AI tools to manipulate biometric data and create fake identities.

E-commerce fraud tops the list, with scammers leveraging AI to spin up fake online stores that mimic legitimate platforms. These sites use AI-generated product descriptions, doctored images, and fabricated customer reviews to trick users into making purchases, while AI chatbots stall refund requests and complaints with scripted responses.

Job fraud is also on the rise. Microsoft noted that scammers are using AI to craft fake job postings and conduct AI-generated interviews, often convincing victims to pay for bogus applications or training. Victims are frequently lured via unsolicited messages and websites designed to appear legitimate.

Tech support scams, meanwhile, have become more deceptive and dangerous. In one recent case cited in the report, the cybercriminal group Storm-1811 exploited Microsoft’s own Quick Assist feature by impersonating IT support to gain remote access to victims’ computers. AI-enhanced social engineering techniques help scammers build trust faster and appear more credible.

Williams urged Nigerians to remain cautious and advised businesses to implement strong cybersecurity protocols, including employee training and Zero Trust security frameworks, to guard against these evolving threats.

Microsoft’s warning comes as Nigeria’s digital transformation accelerates, with the local digital economy projected to hit $27 billion by 2030. As internet adoption continues to rise, so too does the sophistication of online threats.

“AI technology is giving cybercriminals the tools to create incredibly deceptive scams,” Williams added. “It’s vital for individuals and organisations to stay informed and proactive in protecting themselves.”