ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON INTERNET FRAUD ACTIVITIES: PREVENTION AND LEGAL CHALLENGES

Abstract The sudden expansion of web-based social media sites has revolutionised communication, information exchange, and online businesses. The impact of social media has continued to generate research interests. This study examined the role of social media in internet fraud activities in Nigeria, with a view to investigating legal challenges and prevention strategies. Mixed-method design was adopted, data were collected through online questionnaires which were administered to randomly selected 385 social media users. and semi-structured interview with 1 official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), 8 officials of the Nigeria Police Force, and 7 bank officials purposively sampled. Secondary data were sourced from academic journals, newspapers, and international reports. Routine Activity Theory by Lawrence Cohen served as the framework.Data obtained are analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Social media served as major enabler of fraud, with fake profiles, poor digital literacy, and weak identity verification systems identified as key drivers. Legal challenges highlighted by stakeholders included inadequate enforcement of cybercrime laws, jurisdictional limitations in cross-border cases, and insufficient collaboration among regulatory agencies. Preventive strategies: rigorous identity verification, user education, improved legal frameworks and multi-stakeholder collaboration between government, banks and social media companies significantly reduced fraud. Addressing internet fraud requires both stronger legal measures and proactive preventive strategies