PORT HARCOURT — A young woman narrowly escaped a mob attack in the Choba area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after being caught over an alleged fake bank transfer involving goods worth more than ₦200,000.

The incident unfolded after the suspect reportedly walked into a local shop, selected items worth over ₦200,000, and generated a fake payment alert to fool the shop owner.

How the Incident Happened

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect made the purchase and quickly left the premises before the trader could verify the payment.

• The Discovery: A few minutes after the suspect departed, the shop owner checked her bank application and discovered that no funds had hit her account.
• The Chase: Sensing a scam, the trader rushed out to the street, spotted the suspect attempting to board a commercial tricycle (keke), and raised an alarm.
• Mob Confrontation: Passersby and neighboring traders swiftly intercepted the suspect before she could leave the area. An inspection of her transaction proof confirmed that the transfer alert was fraudulent.
• Public Reaction: Angry onlookers confronted and restrained the young woman as the trader demanded her money or the immediate return of the merchandise.

Incident Summary

  LOCATION:           Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
  VALUE OF GOODS:     Over ₦200,000
  METHOD USED:        Fake bank transfer alert
  OUTCOME:            Intercepted at keke park; handed over to local authorities

Rising Concerns Over Payment Fraud

The incident highlights growing anxieties among small business owners and market traders over electronic transfer fraud. Traders in commercial hubs across Port Harcourt have repeatedly complained about fraudsters using fake banking apps and delayed alert systems to cheat small vendors out of their daily earnings.

Local business associations have repeatedly urged vendors to insist on instant bank app verification or cash payments before releasing high-value goods to unfamiliar customers.