In line with its functions to protect the interests of telecom consumers, the Nigerian Communications Commission has alerted the general public to the increasing incidents of fraud across various platforms, especially on social media networks.
The commission in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, advised telecom consumers using any social media platform to be alert and wary of the wiles of fraudsters and other unscrupulous persons.
“In the wake of increased Internet usage and other electronic communications, the commission also wishes to warn telecom consumers and the general public of the possibility of an upsurge in cybercrimes, including but not limited to vishing (Voice Phishing) and smishing (SMS Phishing),” NCC said.
The commission noted that the latest scams sometimes took the form of vishing, which it described as fraudulent phone calls from persons claiming to be calling on behalf of a credible organisation, with the intention to gain access to the target’s personal social media account or other identity resources.
It stated that the increasingly popular incidents typically started with a phone call from fraudsters requesting the call receiver to perform a certain task, which would enable the caller swiftly takeover the social media account of an individual or group.
Consequently, the commission informed the public that such calls and antics, were initiated and carried out by unscrupulous persons, usually with the intent to defraud unsuspecting citizens and or commit other heinous crimes.
NCC assured telecom consumers that all the numbers reportedly used to perpetuate these crimes were being investigated and would be dealt with.
Accordingly, it urged telecom consumers to ensure they put in place the necessary security measures to protect their online activities as well as remain alert to the prowling fraudsters on various Internet platforms.
“It is important that telecom consumers do not give out any information about their accounts or other online transaction details to unknown persons who pose as representatives of known organisations,” the statement said.
NCC added that persons should also be less revealing about their personal lives and details on online platforms in order not to give fraudulent persons the opportunity to target them for scams.