QNET unequivocally condemns all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation, unlawful detention, and any other criminal activities that undermine human dignity and public trust.

The company commends the NSCDC for its swift response and for prioritising the safety, welfare, and protection of the affected individuals.

As investigations continue, QNET wishes to reiterate that it does not offer employment opportunities, overseas job placements, visa procurement services, migration programmes, or guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment.

Any person, group, or organisation making such claims is acting independently and without the knowledge, authorisation, endorsement, or consent of QNET.

QNET operates a legitimate direct selling business model centred on wellness, lifestyle, and personal development products and services.

The company said it remains committed to ethical business practices and maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward the misuse of its name, brand, products, or business model for fraudulent or unlawful purposes.

The company will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities where necessary and encourages members of the public to verify any information regarding QNET’s products, services, and business opportunities through its official communication channels.

QNET remains steadfast in its commitment to consumer protection, transparency, and supporting efforts to combat fraud and human exploitation in all its forms.

Commenting on the incident, Biram Fall, regional general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, said:

“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation. We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services, or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals. We encourage the public to remain vigilant, verify information through our official channels, and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our brand remain top priorities for QNET.”

QNET maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical conduct.

The company actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework and takes disciplinary action against any Independent Distributor found to be in breach of its policies.

Since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited, in 2022, QNET has intensified its collaboration with government institutions, consumer protection agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the media to combat scams and misinformation associated with its brand.

These efforts include the launch of the “Say NO!” Anti-Fraud Campaign in November 2023, as well as strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Beyond Nigeria, similar initiatives have been implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone under the broader QNET Against Scams campaign.

These programmes are designed to educate communities on how to identify legitimate business opportunities, recognise common scam tactics, and avoid becoming victims of fraudulent schemes perpetrated in the company’s name.

QNET remains committed to working alongside governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations, and civil society groups to combat fraud, protect consumers, and promote ethical entrepreneurship across Africa.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify information about QNET, its products, and its business model through the company’s official website.

Individuals who encounter suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes, or any misuse of the QNET name are urged to report such incidents through QNET’s compliance and integrity channels.

Suspected cases may be reported via WhatsApp on +233 2566 30005 or by email at network.integrity@qnet.net. All reports are handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with QNET’s compliance procedures.

The event, organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), celebrated businesses and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to consumer rights, service excellence, and customer satisfaction.

PalmPay’s recognition underscores its dedication to delivering secure, reliable, and inclusive financial services to millions of Nigerians. With a focus on transparency, innovation, and customer-centricity, PalmPay continues to empower consumers by offering secure transactions, fraud protection, convenient payment solutions, and exceptional customer support.

Commenting on the award, Opara Onyinyechi, Senior Regulatory Compliance Specialist, PalmPay, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Consumer-Friendly Business of the Year Award from LASCOPA. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. At PalmPay, we will continue to champion trust, accessibility, and innovation in financial services, ensuring that every user experiences safe and seamless banking.”

The Consumer Service Week and Awards are part of a global initiative that highlights the importance of consumer protection and celebrates organisations that prioritise consumer welfare.

By honouring PalmPay, LASCOPA have reinforced PalmPay’s role as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

PalmPay is a leading digital banking platform driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, savings, and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 35 million app users and processes up to 15 million transactions daily. PalmPay has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.

One company that has often found itself unfairly entangled in public confusion is QNET, a global direct-selling company providing lifestyle and wellness products.

Despite QNET’s clearly defined product-based business model and regulatory presence in many countries, it continues to be misrepresented, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, as a scam.

This mislabeling is not only unjust but dangerous. It undermines the credibility of genuine businesses and hinders opportunities for thousands who earn a livelihood through legal, structured network marketing.

Across Nigeria, scam syndicates continue to exploit the dreams of countless job seekers, tarnishing the reputation of QNET in the process.

Now, the company is fighting back with unrelenting determination to protect its name, its legitimate entrepreneurs, and vulnerable Nigerians from the clutches of fraudsters.

A National Crisis that requires a multi-pronged approach

The scale of the problem is staggering. According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) landscape report, in Nigeria, the annual fraud count increased by 112% from 44,947 in 2019 to 95,620 in 2023, while the amount lost to fraud grew by 496% from N2.9 Billion to N17 billion. 

Furthermore, the CBN Financial Stability Report 2024 highlights a 45% increase in financial fraud cases, with 70% of losses attributed to digital channels, including unregulated virtual asset platforms.

Additionally, the SEC and other agencies have flagged over 30 Ponzi-style investment schemes exploiting digital currency narratives. These numbers paint a grim picture: scam syndicates are not just a nuisance; they’re a national crisis preying on economic desperation.

In a recent interview, Mr. Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa, indicated that the company is ramping up its national crackdown on impersonation scams, fake job offers, and fraudulent investment schemes that exploit its brand name and target vulnerable Nigerians.

Working closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and various police commands, the company continues to demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy towards misinformation, exploitation, and criminal deception.

In March 2023, QNET  launched a nationwide Social Awareness campaign that reached over 50 million Nigerians, reinforcing the message that QNET does not offer jobs or investment opportunities, only legitimate, ethical business built on the sale of real products.

As part of its grassroots efforts, QNET launched billboard and radio campaigns across Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers States, distributing over 3,000 public awareness pamphlets on fraud sensitization.

“We won’t stand by while fraudsters exploit trust and economic hardship,” said Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our business is built on transparency and real product value, not recruitment or investment promises. That’s why we work with regulators to expose bad actors and ensure Nigerians know the truth about who we are.”

QNET operates on a product-based direct selling model, where Independent Distributors earn commissions from product sales—not from recruitment or investments.

Despite QNET’s proven product-based business model, confusion persists in regions affected by Ponzi schemes and financial scams. Mr. Fall addressed this concern by citing the March 2025 EFCC report, which listed 58 Ponzi-related companies; QNET was not among them.

Between 2022 and 2023, QNET investigated and terminated 81 Independent Distributor accounts in Sub-Saharan Africa that had breached its Code of Ethics. 

In November 2023, the company also launched its flagship Say NO! campaign in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Senegal to raise awareness and dismantle fraud networks posing as legitimate businesses.

Reaching millions through grassroots activities—local-language radio jingles, comic-style pamphlets, billboards, WhatsApp hotlines, and public-sector partnerships—the campaign empowers at-risk communities to spot red flags such as unsolicited job offers or demands for upfront payments, protecting countless individuals from scams.

Beyond awareness, QNET’s alliances with Nigeria’s top regulatory bodies have fueled joint investigations, leading to the shutdown of over 50 fake recruitment websites and the arrest of 30 impostors in 2024 alone. 

In March 2024, QNET partnered with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to mark World Consumer Rights Day under the theme “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers.”

LASCOPA’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, praised the collaboration, saying: “Our partnership with QNET strengthens our resolve to combat unfair practices and uphold transparency and justice in the marketplace. Together, we are setting a new standard for consumer protection, ensuring the rights of Lagosians are safeguarded in this digital age.”

Building on this success, QNET and LASCOPA reunited for World Consumer Rights Day 2025, reinforcing QNET’s long-term commitment to protecting consumers, promoting ethical business practices, and fostering trust in Nigeria’s marketplace.

QNET also collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) in July 2024 to train 50 unemployed youths in identifying fraudulent job schemes. As part of its proactive strategies, the company is also tackling financial vulnerability through education.

Its signature financial literacy programme, FinGreen, launched in 2022 in partnership with Transblue Limited, has trained over 1,500 young people and women across Nigeria in budgeting, saving, responsible spending, and digital financial literacy. 

Rebuilding Trust, Restoring Dreams

For QNET, this fight transcends corporate reputation. It’s about safeguarding the aspirations of honest entrepreneurs and consumers who believe in ethical direct selling.

The company has overhauled its internal compliance systems, introduced rigorous agent training, and launched clearer brand messaging to separate fact from fiction. 

These coordinated efforts across consumer protection, policy engagement, internal enforcement, and public education reaffirm QNET’s long-term commitment to ethical entrepreneurship and community safety. 

The company remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals, combat misinformation, and build a more transparent, opportunity-driven Africa.

The company unequivocally refuted the allegation that the individual in the report acted on its behalf.

QNET further said it has observed a worrying trend of individuals and groups misusing its brand name to carry out illegal activities.

“Fraudulent activities using QNET’s name are a serious concern for us. We are working closely with authorities to tackle this issue and have implemented awareness campaigns to educate the public about these scams,” said Biram Fall, regional general manager for QNET, Sub-Sahara Africa.

To address this issue, QNET has been proactive in launching its “Say NO!” Awareness campaign aimed at warning the public about fake job offers and scams.

“This campaign has led to collaborations with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to combat fraudulent activities in Nigeria. We have also taken steps to raise public awareness through the installation of multilingual billboards in various Nigerian cities, including Rivers State, as well as in countries like Senegal and Burkina Faso.

“Additionally, radio campaigns, flyer distributions, and social media efforts have been ongoing to inform and protect the public against scams using the QNET name”, Mr. Fall said.

QNET, which just concluded its 26^th V-Malaysia Conference (VCON) operates using a direct-selling business model, allowing individuals to become independent distributors of its products.

“Our Independent Representatives (IRs) are expected to adhere strictly to the company’s terms and conditions, with a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of illegal or fraudulent activity. We will take swift and decisive action against anyone found misrepresenting QNET.

“We are fully cooperating with the authorities to bring the alleged perpetrator and any other involved members of the alleged syndicate to justice. Alongside this, we are conducting an internal investigation to identify and discipline any IRs potentially involved in these fraudulent activities.

QNET remains committed to fighting fraud and safeguarding its brand’s reputation. To further support these efforts, we have established a “Say NO!” Campaign website (www.saynocampaign.org) to educate the public about job scams and human trafficking.

“We have also set up a compliance hotline on WhatsApp to receive reports of fraudulent activities.

“If you encounter any suspected fraudulent activities falsely representing QNET, please report them to our WhatsApp number at +233256630005 or via email at network.integrity@qnet.net”, he said.

This initiative is part of QNET’s ongoing “Say No!” awareness campaign to combat fake job offers leading to illegal migration across Africa.

The training, held in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, brought together young individuals seeking employment opportunities. The two-day programme featured a curriculum designed to equip participants with essential skills for safely navigating the job market.

QNET Highlights Critical Need for Fraud Prevention and Skills Development

At FMLE’s invitation, Mr. Biram Fall, QNET’s regional general manager, addressed the participants on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent job offers.

“We are proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in this critical initiative, as the unemployment rate of 53.4% remains alarmingly high. Investing in robust training and continuous education programmes is essential for creating a resilient and competent workforce. By doing so, we are protecting them from financial loss and boosting their employability against scams and fraudulent activities,” said Mr. Fall.

Fall highlighted the challenges QNET faces in Nigeria and other West African countries, where miscreants use the QNET name to lure unsuspecting youth into fake job offers.

He outlined the steps the company is taking to combat this through extensive public education programmes.

“We have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of these criminal activities on young people who have fallen victim to fake job scams being propagated in our name. It is alarming to note how people with ill intentions are able to defraud unsuspecting victims who are just looking for a job to improve their life.

We’ve realised that the only way to combat this rising menace is through the power of education. That is why this training program by the FMoLE is such a powerful platform,” he said.

Ministry’s Dedication to Youth Empowerment

Miss Augustina Uka, Senior Labour Officer at FMoLE, spoke about the Ministry’s dedication to empowering youths:

“Our commitment to enhancing the employability of young Nigerians is unwavering. The Ministry has created the National Electronic Labor Exchange (NELEX) project, an innovative electronic platform designed to transform FMoLE ‘s employment exchanges into a robust database of employable manpower in Nigeria to facilitate job exchange and labour mobility.

“We aim to provide the necessary tools and resources for the Nigerian youth to succeed in the competitive job market. Through our collaboration with QNET, we understand the company and their aim to help people live better lives by educating and empowering youths with the knowledge on how to identify and avoid fake job offers, such as the Say NO! Awareness campaign.

FMLE wishes to work closely with QNET moving forward to help deliver on the mandate of the Ministry, which is to create an enabling environment for job creation, leading to increased employment opportunities and economic growth in Nigeria.”

Akam Comfort Dufang, a participant in the training programme, shared her experience:

“The training programme taught us employability, entrepreneurship, and management skills, and helped us identify available job opportunities in Nigeria. Also, I had heard of QNET before and believed it was a fraudulent company, but through this programme and hearing from a QNET representative about their efforts to combat misinformation, my perspective has changed.”

Another participant shared his story about nearly falling victim to a job scam.

He was offered a lucrative salary but was asked to pay an upfront fee before starting. He even sold his laptop to make the payment. Fortunately, he was saved by the news that the person offering the job had been arrested by the police. He expressed gratitude for the invaluable education received.

QNET’s Commitment to Positive Social Impact

QNET remains committed to making a positive impact on society by supporting training programmes like the FMLE initiative to enhance employability among Nigerian youth and foster a safe, informed job market. Over the past two years, QNET’s FinGreen financial literacy programme has equipped over 1,350 Nigerian youth with essential skills for financial independence.

Additionally, QNET has collaborated with agencies like the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to expand awareness efforts, educating youth on the dangers of fake job offers and human trafficking.

In Nigeria, QNET operates through its franchise partner Transblue Limited.

This recommitment was made by QNET at the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) Conference and Exhibition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, March 15 to mark the World Consumer Rights Day 2024.

Delivering the keynote at the conference, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of Lagos State assured stakeholders that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment that promotes fair competition, protects consumer rights, and supports the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The conference, with the theme: “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers”, was organised by Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).

World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15. The annual event is used to draw attention to the plight of consumers world over, with a view to ensuring the rights of consumers are not only protected but also promoted.

The governor said mutual understanding between consumers and producers underscored the symbiotic and interdependent relationship that existed between the two entities within any economy.

He, therefore, urged consumers and producers to foster an enduring partnership, rather than relationships that could impede sustainable growth and development in the economic value chain.

According to him, the call is necessary because it reflects a broader acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of economic actors and the need for harmonious interactions to address challenges, innovate, and adapt to changing market dynamics.

“Consumers and producers are not adversaries but rather partners in a complex economic ecosystem.

“While consumers rely on producers to supply goods and services, producers, in turn, depend on consumer demand to drive their businesses forward,” he said.

Speaking at the Conference, Mr Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for sub-Saharan Africa, acknowledged the importance of the World Consumer Rights Day, more so, in this technological age where it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the real from the fake.

Mr. Fall who was represented by Nana Quartey, QNET’s Senior Regional Legal Counsel for Sub Sahara Africa, said:

“This day is a reminder that consumers have the right to be protected from unfair business practices, with access to safe, quality goods and services.

“It also highlights the importance of governments, businesses, and stakeholders working together to promote consumer rights and address consumer concerns globally.

He further highlighted that it has become imperative for businesses to acknowledge and understand consumer rights’ fundamental importance today.

“Consumer rights ensure that individuals are protected from exploitation and fraud; they have the right to safety, information, choice, and redress if they encounter issues with products or services.

“These rights form the cornerstone of fair and ethical business practices and are essential for fostering trust between consumers and businesses anywhere in the world”, the QNET chief said.

He added that consumer education is a powerful tool that equips individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves from fraudulent trade practices and exploitative market behaviours.

“At QNET, we are deeply committed to protecting the rights of our customers and promoting a culture of transparency, integrity, and trust.

“Through initiatives such as educational campaigns and awareness programs, we strive to empower consumers with the information they need to navigate the marketplace confidently. We also recently launched two campaigns, the social awareness campaign and the Say No Campaign. These campaigns perfectly reflect QNET’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and consumer empowerment.

Mr. Fall said that QNET has further implemented robust grievance redressal mechanisms to address customer concerns promptly and effectively.

“In response to the prevalence of fraud cases misusing our brand name, a comprehensive fraud-proofing strategy has been implemented to ensure our integrity. These include proactive steps, such as the Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) initiative wherein every promoter of our products must verify their identity in our system with a government issued ID.  We also publish warnings and notices on our corporate website and blog to enhance security and disseminate crucial information. In addition to these, we have launched a dedicated Complaint Mechanism (via email and WhatsApp) that provides avenues for our customers and promoters to engage with us on matters that affect their rights.

“These collective efforts underscore our dedication to creating a secure business environment for our customers and at the same time, collaborate with the authorities in holding fraudsters accountable”, he explained.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Afolabi Solebo, the general manager LASCOPA, said that developers and companies must prioritize ethical considerations in ensuring that AI benefits the society as a whole.

Solebo noted that responsible AI involved transparency and accountability.

According to him, consumers deserve to know how their data is being used and have the right to understand the decisions made by AI systems.

This collaboration aligns with the theme of Consumer Rights Day 2024, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” and sets the stage for an influential event in Lagos, aimed at sparking crucial dialogues on consumer rights and the emerging challenges in an AI-integrated marketplace.

With a shared vision for a fair-trading environment, QNET and LASCOPA are set to embark on a transformative journey towards consumer enlightenment and justice.

This partnership underscores a mutual dedication to eradicating harmful market practices and championing the cause of fairness and accountability.

Biram Fall, QNET’s regional manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, underscores the commitment: “Our alliance with LASCOPA epitomizes our pledge to consumer rights, fostering a well-informed community ready to thrive in a tech-savvy future.”

At the heart of this initiative are dynamic educational campaigns designed to empower consumers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and stand against exploitation and deceit.

The “Say NO” public awareness campaign by QNET in Nigeria is an initiative that is aimed at educating communities about the dangers of fake job offers used by fraudsters to lure members of the public into human trafficking.

The campaign provided invaluable knowledge and resources to Nigerians, safeguarding them from potential scams. These campaigns are instrumental in building a resilient and savvy consumer base, capable of navigating the complexities of the modern marketplace with confidence and discernment.

Afolabi Solebo, LASCOPA’s General Manager, reaffirms the agency’s dedication:

“Our collaboration with QNET amplifies our resolve to combat unfair practices and uphold transparency and justice in the marketplace. Together, we are setting a new standard for consumer protection, ensuring that the rights and interests of Lagosians are safeguarded in this digital age.”

As QNET and LASCOPA unite on Consumer Rights Day, they not only celebrate a shared commitment to consumer empowerment but also pave the way for a future where consumers are equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving market landscape.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the quest for a fair, transparent, and accountable marketplace, promising a brighter, more informed future for consumers in Lagos and beyond.