Nigeria's 'Cryptic Pregnancy' Scam: Here's What You Need To Know

A shocking scam has emerged in Nigeria, where women are being misled into believing they are pregnant with fake babies. This deceptive scheme, referred to as "cryptic pregnancy," has left numerous victims both financially and emotionally devastated.

Cryptic pregnancy, also known as stealth pregnancy, is a condition in which a woman is convinced she is pregnant despite the absence of any physical evidence. In Nigeria, scammers have taken advantage of this phenomenon by persuading women that they are expecting, selling them counterfeit baby bumps and various pregnancy-related products.

The Scheme Revealed

The BBC's investigation into this alarming pregnancy scam began with an encounter with a victim who claimed to have carried her baby for a staggering 15 months after she sought unconventional "treatment" at a local clinic. This implausible timeline raised red flags for state officials and her husband’s family, who began questioning the child’s origins.

This led to the discovery that scammers, posing as doctors or nurses, offer a so-called “miracle fertility treatment” to women grappling with infertility. These treatments can cost hundreds of dollars and often involve injections, drinks, or substances inserted into the body. These methods sometimes lead to physical changes, such as swollen abdomens, which further convince women that they are indeed pregnant.

BBC Africa Eye carried out an undercover investigation at one such clinic in Ihiala, Anambra State, run by a scammer known to patients as "Dr. Ruth." Operating out of a rundown hotel, "Dr. Ruth" performs fake ultrasounds and celebrates supposed pregnancies with her clients. Initial treatments may cost as much as 350,000 naira ($205), with delivery medications reaching up to 2 million naira ($1,180).

Authorities Into Action!

Efforts to shut down these fraudulent operations are currently underway. Commissioner Ify Obinabo, who is leading the effort in Anambra State, is dedicated to rescuing victims and exposing the scam. However, she emphasises that until societal attitudes towards infertility and adoption evolve, such schemes are likely to persist.