In regions like West Africa, informal academies that train people in online scams are multiplying and creating a disturbing new layer in the world of cybercrime. These so-called “hustle academies” work as training hubs where scammers mentor others in online fraud and sextortion schemes, teaching them how to exploit unsuspecting victims worldwide.

While the allure of quick money draws in many young people, these academies not only perpetuate fraudulent activities but also foster an environment of organized cybercrime that is harder to combat. The era where solo scammers sat in an internet cafe for a couple of hours a day to talk to their victims is gone. These are now well-structured institutions, and they take advantage of economic hardships of the people recruited, offering an unethical pathway to financial independence. Graduates of these programs then apply their newly acquired skills in sophisticated online scams, phishing, identity theft, and business fraud, putting people and companies at risk.

At Wymoo International, our investigation team in the region is well aware of these growing threats. As a private investigation firm specializing in fraud prevention and international background checks, we’ve seen firsthand how these cybercriminals operate, and know that the tactics taught in these academies lead to severe emotional and financial damage.

The Rise of Hustle Academies

The rise of these academies can be attributed to a combination of factors: high unemployment rates, limited economic opportunities, and the increasing digitization of economies in West Africa and beyond. In some regions, this trend has become so prevalent that scam-related businesses are openly discussed and even socially accepted in certain circles.

This normalization of fraud is alarming, as it signals the development of more structured and coordinated criminal organizations. These academies recruit individuals—often young and technologically savvy—promising them the tools and resources to succeed in the digital world. Unfortunately, “success” in this context translates to defrauding innocent victims globally.

What Do These Academies Teach?

Students at these academies are trained in various forms of digital fraud, including phishing, hacking, identity theft, and social engineering. Romance scams and sextortion are popular tactics as they prey on human emotions and vulnerabilities, making them difficult to prevent. Many victims are unaware that their romantic relationships are part of larger fraud operations. The scams are detailed in reports from organizations like Interpol and the FBI,  but what is critical to understand is how sophisticated it is getting with the formalization of training structures.

These academies also teach their trainees how to evade law enforcement and detection systems, making them more elusive than your average scammer, and creating a new level of risk for both businesses and individuals worldwide.

Protecting Yourself and Your Business

Given the rise of these “hustle academies,” the need for fraud prevention services has never been greater. International background checks, due diligence investigations, and online dating investigations help clients protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. Fraud needs to be detected before it happens, so investigating is important to make informed decisions when engaging in personal or business relationships.

The emergence of informal scam academies is a worrying trend in the digital age. By providing training and a sense of legitimacy to online criminals, these institutions are rapidly expanding the scope and impact of cybercrime to every corner of the world. The best defense is awareness and professional investigation services. Protect yourself and your business from these growing threats by staying informed and vigilant.  Hire a professional to uncover the evidence you need.

For more information on how to safeguard yourself from online scams, visit our blog and learn more about fraud prevention tools.  Contact us today for a free quote!

C. Wright

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