Owing to the lockdown placed by Government at all levels in a bid to contain the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, in Nigeria, National coordinator, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria, (NOPRIN), Ikule Emmanuel has called on Nigerians to be security conscious as fraud and cybercrime cases are expected to rise at this time.
National Coordinator, NORPRIN
Making the call in Lagos on Monday, Ikule Emmanuel revealed that in Nigeria and other parts of the globe, fraudsters have begun to create and set up fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, fake social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver (covid-19) medical products. In some cases, they use the names of prominent companies involved in the production and distribution of these items. Victims are then asked to pay via bank transfer.
Enjoining the public to strictly adhere to security tips,
Ikule Emmanuel, cautioned Nigerians to “avoid opening suspicious emails and clicking on links in unrecognized emails and attachments; ensure proper back-up of online and offline files regularly and securely; use strong passwords for securing your emails and social media handles. Keep your software updated, including antivirus software. Manage your social media settings and review your privacy and security settings”.
Ikule Emmanuel also encouraged Nigerians to be wary of scammers who use names of prominent companies to create fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver medical products. Ignore and report calls purportedly emanating from a caller who pretends to be a relative currently being treated at hospital asking you to pay for the cost of the medical treatment by transferring money or by paying cash to fake public health representatives.
Also do not open letters or emails related to the pandemic from unknown persons who claim to be health authorities. Often times criminals access sensitive information, steal personal information and steal funds of victims by tricking them into connecting to a specific webpage and logging-in with their credentials. Be mindful of fake news, deliberate misinformation and avoid circulating untrusted and unverified messages on your social media handles. Educate your family, especially your children, about how to stay safe online and offline.
However, if you become a victim, ensure prompt report to the police”, He added.
