Bukola Ayandare, an educational consultant in Ibadan, has accused Verozat Global Ventures, a travel agency, of defrauding him of N354,000.
Ayandare told FIJ he fell for the scam orchestrated by Verozat Global Service because of their convincing profile on Facebook. He said his unfortunate deal with the fraudulent firm started in 2022 after a student approached him for an opportunity to work abroad in 2022.
At the time, he said, he knew nothing about working abroad, so he decided to find a work-abroad pro to help out. This quest led him to the Verozat Global Page, which he claimed appeared legitimate due to the listed address and other details that conveyed credibility.
“I thought the address was real. At the same time, I found out that the company was registered. This was what made me feel safe in dealing with them,” Ayandare told FIJ.
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On October 10, 2022, after Ayandare believed Verozat Global Services was a trusted company, he sent a direct message and apprised them of what he wanted.
Ayandare’s last transfer to Verozat Global Services
After constant talks between both parties, Ayandare said, he paid N20,000 on October 19. After the first payment, as negotiations progressed, he paid more money until the last he sent on February 3. He paid N354,000 altogether.
“I didn’t think twice when asked for more money, as I was sending it to their registered account with a matching name. It was only later that I discovered their fraudulent nature,” he lamented.
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“The continual extension of promised deadlines became frustrating. In my desperation, I decided to search their name online, only to stumble upon a report by FIJ about their fraudulent activities.”
Confronting Verozat Global Services with the Swordpress.NG Report, Ayandare was met with the agency’s assertion that the matter had been resolved.
“Since I challenged them, they have avoided my calls. But my demand is straightforward: I want my money back. I seek justice,” he emphasised.
Despite multiple attempts, FIJ was unable to establish a connection with Verozat Global Services over the phone. Also, the agency had not responded to a text message at the time of publication.
The post Using Deceptive Facebook Profile, Verozat Global Services Defrauds Educational Consultant of N354,000 appeared first on Foundation For Investigative Journalism.