Beware of fraudulent websites

From Blessing Olaifa, AbujaThe National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) yesterday raised the alarm on the creation of fraudulent websites by unscrupulous Nigerians to capitalise on the Covid-19 pandemic to defraud citizens.The agency, in a statement by its Head of Media, Hajiya Umar Hadiza, said NITDA is working to shut down the identified websites and bring those behind them to book.She said: In NITDAs efforts to ensure a safe and secure cyberspace, the agencys Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) identified a number of websites using phishing tricks to attract Internet users.Read Also:31 work-from-home websites/companiesOne of such tricks is misinforming the public that the Federal Government has ordered weekly payment of allowances to citizens above the age of 18 for observing the Stay At Home directive. It requires the user to complete an online form with personal information, including bank details for the payment to be effected.While NITDA is doing everything possible to shut down the websites identified as well as sanction those behind them, we urge the public to disregard and report any such websites to the agency for action.As a general precautionary measure, Internet users are advised to observe the following: not to give out their personal information to anyone online; avoid clicking unknown links; disregard offers requesting their bank details; and know what to do when they become victims of cybercrime.The agency enjoins Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its efforts at containing the spread of Covid-19. We are encouraged to adhere to the recommendations given by health experts, and follow updates from relevant agencies handling this outbreak.
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