The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) delivered the sum of $26,000 USD to British national Christine Brown, a victim of internet fraud, on Monday.
Brown thanked the Commission for its efforts, saying they had given her some solace after she had lost her life’s riches to scammers.
The 70-year-old filed a case with the Commission after falling victim to a romantic scam perpetrated by an online scammer.
Brown described her ordeal, claiming that she fell victim after interacting online with a supposed John Barrowman, an actor and American citizen. She had no idea he was a con artist. Brown claimed that once they started dating, the fraudster started demanding money, which she paid to him through wire transfers, Bitcoin and gift cards.
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.