The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has cautioned members of the public against emerging online fraudulent tactics being perpetrated by internet fraudsters taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, stated that his office had been inundated with complaints from victims of internet fraudsters.
According to a statement in Abuja on Monday by the acting EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, the EFCC boss said the fraudulent schemes were in form of links that offer free data or request for the Bank Verification Number and account details of their victims.
Magu stated, “In the last couple of days, home-bound internet users have complained of receiving several e-mails, SMS, WhatsApp messages offering free services such as “Do-It-Yourself” Covid-19 tests; subscription to either Netflix, Hulu, DSTV, Government Intervention/Grant of N30, 000 and other tricky offers.”
The EFCC chair advised the public against opening unsolicited emails or links and attachment with emails from an unknown source.
The statement read in part, “The messages are embedded with malware and other malicious codes which when clicked, trigger a programme that steals and compromises mails, banking logins passwords, credit-related information and other critical data contained on the recipient’s devices.
“Victims stand the risk of losing both confidential information and monies, since unauthorised access may have been granted to cybercriminals.”
