The United States government has announced a new global visa restriction policy targeting suspected internet fraudsters, cybercriminals, and their immediate family members as part of efforts to combat transnational online crime.

The policy, unveiled by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is aimed at individuals involved in cyber-enabled fraud, including romance scams, investment fraud, business email compromise, and sextortion schemes that have reportedly cost Americans at least $10 billion in 2024.

According to the U.S. State Department, the visa restrictions will apply to foreign nationals who are responsible for, or complicit in, online fraud, as well as certain immediate family members who may have benefited from or supported such criminal activities.

The measure is being implemented under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act as part of a broader crackdown on transnational cybercrime. U.S. authorities said the action complements ongoing efforts involving criminal prosecutions, asset seizures, and international law enforcement cooperation to dismantle cybercrime networks.

While the announcement does not mention Nigeria by name, the development has attracted significant attention because of the long-standing association of internet fraud suspects—popularly known as "Yahoo Boys"—with visa sanctions and law enforcement actions.

The U.S. government maintained that the new policy is intended to protect American citizens from increasingly sophisticated online scams and to hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of where they operate.

The latest move signals Washington's continued commitment to strengthening international efforts against cyber-enabled financial crimes and restricting access to the United States for individuals linked to such offences.