Social Organization of Internet Fraud among University Undergraduates in Nigeria

Internet fraud is one of the most rapidly increasing forms of computer crime. The advent of the 'yahoo-boys' subculture in tertiary institutions has introduced another dimension of youth's involvement in cyber crime. Studies on Internet fraud in Nigeria have been biased to the emergence of the 'yahoo-boys' subculture while neglecting the importance of the structure sustaining it. Using the snowball sampling technique, 20 yahoo-boys were interviewed. Findings indicate that Internet fraud in tertiary institutions are socially organized and highly networked. It is increasingly becoming specialized and sustained by informal networks. This involves nefarious networking of fellow fraudsters and bank staffs. The latter leak vital customer details to yahoo-boys and facilitate payment without alerting security agencies; while the former arranges bail-out option in crisis period. The money is paid through domiciliary accounts, cheques, credit cards, Money Gram and Western Union. Cyber crime was reported to yield benefits in paying their school fees, acquire properties (cars and land), and sustain living. This informal network will continue to circumvent any genuine drive to stop cyber-criminality in Nigeria. The Government must address the fear of unemployment and check unbridled corruption, and integrate moral values into the body polity.