The Nationwide Info Expertise Growth Company (NITDA) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians to stay vigilant in opposition to the rise in cyber scams usually disguised as festive season affords and giveaways.
The NITDA in a press release launched on Friday, cautioned that cybercriminals benefit from the celebratory interval by posing as reliable firms to ship faux messages promising money rewards, giveaways, or particular affords.
It warned that victims danger revealing delicate private particulars, downloading dangerous software program, and even transferring cash to fraudsters below false pretences.
Ways utilized by scammers
In keeping with NITDA, scammers usually leverage the festive spirit to make their fraudulent messages seem extra convincing.
“The scammers usually disguise as reliable firms and ship faux messages promising money rewards or giveaways. These messages may declare that you simply’ve been “chosen” to obtain cash and ask you to click on on a hyperlink or present private particulars.
“Below the pretence of generosity through the festive season, these Scams purpose to trick victims into revealing private info, downloading malicious software program, or sending cash,” NITDA defined.
How one can Shield Your self
NITDA outlined sensible steps to guard in opposition to such scams:
- Be cautious of “too good to be true” affords – All the time strategy messages promising massive money rewards or extravagant giveaways with skepticism.
- Confirm the authenticity of affords – Confirm promotions straight with the corporate’s official web site or customer service channels.
- Keep away from clicking suspicious hyperlinks – Malicious hyperlinks embedded in faux messages are sometimes used to steal knowledge or set up dangerous software program.
- Safeguard your non-public info – By no means share delicate info similar to PINs, bank account particulars, or passwords with anybody.
NITDA additional suggested Nigerians to right away delete any suspicious message as soon as acquired to keep away from unintended engagement.
“Report the rip-off to the suitable authorities to assist investigations and forestall additional occurrences, and unfold consciousness amongst family and friends to make sure they continue to be cautious,” the Company said.
NITDA emphasised that public consciousness is a key line of protection in opposition to cyber fraud, notably throughout high-risk intervals just like the festive season.
The company reiterated its dedication to safeguarding Nigerians within the digital house and inspired residents to stay proactive in defending their private info.
What you need to know
Final week, the Managing Director of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, Mr. Babatunde Olofin, issued an analogous warning, cautioning Nigerians in opposition to sharing their account numbers publicly, particularly through the festive season.
- Babatunde detailed how fraudsters use enticing affords of free presents and money rewards to lure victims into sharing their bank particulars.
- He defined that fraud schemes usually contain victims making upfront funds, solely to lose their cash and typically their identities.
- In keeping with Olofin, some fraud victims have unknowingly participated in crimes like cash laundering as a result of their accounts had been used for illicit transactions, leading to authorized troubles for them.
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