Ethical Hacking News
A mysterious West African influencer known as Format Boy has built a lucrative business by teaching others how to orchestrate high-paying online fraud schemes. Despite claims of only providing "educational content," cybersecurity researchers have flagged his posts as potentially malicious, raising concerns about the impact of his influence on victims and the wider community.
Format Boy is a West African influencer who has built a lucrative business teaching others how to orchestrate high-paying online fraud schemes using AI and deepfake technology. He claims to educate his audience on how to use AI and deepfake technology for educational purposes only, but cybersecurity researchers have flagged his content as potentially malicious. Format Boy's YouTube channel has been removed multiple times due to violating community guidelines, with his follower count reset each time. He promotes AI software that can be used to change one's appearance on video calls and deepfake technology for reduced pricing. Many people in Nigeria feel that they have little help from the government when it comes to combating online fraud, making Format Boy's content a significant concern. Format Boy's business model relies on exploiting vulnerabilities in social media platforms and their algorithms to promote lucrative services for scamming others online.
The world of online scams has given rise to a peculiar breed of influencer: the scamfluencer. These individuals have built a lucrative business by teaching others how to orchestrate high-paying online fraud schemes, often using AI and deepfake technology to enhance their exploits. At the forefront of this phenomenon is Format Boy, a West African influencer with thousands of followers on social media platforms like YouTube, Telegram, Instagram, and X.
Format Boy's rise to fame began around 2019, when he started spamming potential victims on dating sites using a cheap phone. He eventually transitioned into teaching others his methods and selling software, guides, and tools to those interested in learning how to scam online. However, Format Boy insists that he does not personally engage in scamming activities, despite having hands-on experience with the techniques.
Instead, Format Boy focuses on educating his audience on how to use AI and deepfake technology to create convincing video calls that can be used to extort money from victims. He claims that this is done for educational purposes only, but cybersecurity researchers have flagged his content as potentially malicious. Format Boy's YouTube channel has been removed multiple times due to violating community guidelines, with his follower count reset each time.
Format Boy's Telegram channel is where he regularly sends messages and rambling voice notes to his 15,000 subscribers. His posts often provide advice on how to build trust with a "client" to gain access to their bank accounts, as well as recommendations for AI software that can be used to change one's appearance on video calls with potential victims. He has even touted promotions for deepfake software, including a Valentine's Day offer for reduced pricing.
When asked about the impact of his content on his victims, Format Boy emphasizes his professional restraint, stating that he only teaches certain aspects of scamming to avoid enabling others. However, many people in Nigeria feel that they have little help from the government when it comes to combating online fraud.
Format Boy's tone is often optimistic, urging his followers to be determined and plan well if they want to succeed in online scams. He sees himself as a mentor or guide, pushing his audience to reach their next level. Format Boy has even admitted to experiencing stress due to the vicissitudes of social media platforms like YouTube, which can affect engagement and visibility.
In recent times, Format Boy has been planning his new hustle – trading memecoins. This latest move is part of his ongoing effort to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing landscape of online scams.
Throughout this article, it becomes clear that Format Boy's business model relies on exploiting vulnerabilities in social media platforms and their algorithms. His content may be flagged as malicious by cybersecurity researchers, but he has managed to build a significant following by promoting a lucrative service – one that can help others scam people online.
Format Boy is not the only influencer of his kind; there are hundreds of pages and groups on social media that claim to mentor newcomers and provide tools for scamming. These groups often use "Yahoo" in their names, referencing the notorious West African scammer collective known as the Yahoo Boys.
The impact of Format Boy's influence cannot be overstated. His content has been linked to at least one reported case of online fraud, with victims losing millions of dollars to scams orchestrated by those familiar with his tactics. The rise of scamfluencers like Format Boy highlights a worrying trend – one that underscores the need for greater awareness and education about online safety and cybersecurity.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by online scams, it is essential to examine the role that influencers like Format Boy play in perpetuating these schemes. By shedding light on this phenomenon, we can work towards creating a safer online environment – one where individuals are empowered to protect themselves from falling victim to scamfluencers and other cybercriminals.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Rise-of-Scamfluencers-How-a-West-African-Influencer-is-Building-a-Business-on-the-Back-of-Online-Fraud-ehn.shtml
https://www.wired.com/story/format-boy-yahoo-boys-scam-influencers/
Published: Mon May 19 08:13:18 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
