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Beware of Telecom Fraudsters, Ask Questions

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Nigeria telecommunications industry is an undeniably alluring, fast-paced, multi-billion dollar industry.
Combine that with brain-numbingly complex technologies and it creates the perfect environment for scam artists.
Telecommunication fraud is the theft of telecommunication service (telephones, cell phones, computers and so on) or the use of telecommunication service to commit other forms of fraud.
Victims include consumers, businesses and communication service providers.
Separating truth from fiction in these sophisticated scams is not easy.
Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) takes consumer protection very serious and that has led to the establishment of the Consumer Affairs Bureau in September 2001, to inform, educate and protect all the consumers of telecommunications services in Nigeria.
Common Warning Signs
Cold Calls: If the first contact is an unsolicited call from a salesperson whom you do not know – be skeptical!. Don’t trust a stranger!
High Profits-Low Risk: Scam artists are clever liars. For instance, If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, he or she is a company engineer, or saying that they’re checking your mobile line, and you have to press # 90 or #09 or any other number. End this call immediately without pressing any numbers.
Urgency: Beware of promoters who say that it is urgent to invest now. Swindlers do not want you to have time to think things over. Some may even pressure you to promptly send your money by courier or wireless transfer. When they say "rush," you say "whoa!"
Examples of Scams
Fraud Alert from Zain Nigeria
Zain Nigeria on its website drew the attention of subscribers and members of the general public to the prevalence of fraudulent activity being perpetuated by fraudsters who aim to deceive and defraud our subscribers and the general public.
According to Zain these fraudsters design purported promotions hinged on promises of subscribers or members of the general public winning cash, free airtime or other prizes or gifts, employment or job recruitment or other fantastic or incredulous schemes. Their fraudulent activity seems to be mainly with the objective of obtaining money by tricks or false pretences from subscribers or innocent members of the general public.
From MTN
Subscribers receive text messages purportedly from MTN where they are informed of winnings and asked to contact a number to claim their prizes
The same scheme is general to almost all the service providers where the vehicles for such fraudulent activity include unsolicited text messages, electronic mail or other correspondence to subscribers or the general public. These messages would usually emanate from bogus websites, email addresses and phone numbers used by these fraudsters for their nefarious and fraudulent activity and it is not unusual that such communication would utilize forged paraphernalia as logos, names of operators’ officials and official language in a bid to exude some authenticity (some illustrations of the fraudulent activity flowing from providers’ experiences are provided at the end of this message).
The paraphernalia including mail and contact addresses and phone numbers contained in such unsolicited emails and posted on such web-sites or published in any manner whatsoever are bogus, forged and not related to service providers.
Operators’ consumer education has repeatedly warned against such schemes.
From Etisalat
Etisalat Nigeria on its website draws attention of its esteem subscribers that fraudulent text messages carrying details of false promotions are being sent to them by parties posing as representatives of etisalat.
“Please note that etisalat does not execute promotions and campaigns via third-parties or individual members of our staff. Also, winners from our various promotions are either published on our website, at our Experience Centres.”
If you receive any messages asking you to give up money/goods or claim prizes, kindly clarify this via our corporate website or by calling Customer Care on 200. If still in doubt, kindly visit any of our shops or business offices. Please remember to visit www.etisalat.com.ng as regularly as possible to get all the latest updates on etisalat and all our exciting promos.
Avoiding Fraud
Take advantage of Consumer Affairs Bureau so no one takes advantage of you.
This is because the Consumers Affairs Bureau serve as the industry’s watchdog charged with educating, informing and protecting consumers in a professional and courteous manner.
Be Skeptical: The best protection against being scammed is skepticism. Investigate thoroughly any SMS or phone call that say you have won a prize you did not enter, if duped, you are unlikely to recover any of it.
Ask yourself whether their answers are reasonable. 
Do not respond to such unsolicited offers from people you are unfamiliar with.
Do not disclose your personal/financial details to anyone you do not know.

Get Help
Consumer Affairs Department
[email protected]
Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC)
Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama,
Abuja,
Tel:   234-9-4617000
Fax:  234-9-4617514

Zain Nigeria has a Fraud management Unit which investigates all reported cases of fraudulent or attempted fraudulent activity. The Fraud management Unit can be reached on the fraud hotline- 070800fraud (07080037283) or email [email protected].

MTN Nigeria, contact the following for confirmation –
MTN Nigeria Corporate Office,
Golden Plaza,
7th Floor, Falomo, Ikoyi Lagos.
Email: [email protected] Tel. +234 (0)8032005500

Visafone
 4th Floor, Zenon House 
2, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island
Lagos, Nigeria
 333 (Within Visafone Network)
07025 000 000 (Outside of Visafone Network)

Multi-Links/Telkom
231, Adeola Odeku Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 01-7740000
Email; [email protected]

ZoomMobile
8, Adeola Odeku Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tel: 234-1-4801111
Email: [email protected]

Starcomms
42, Adetokubo Ademola Street,
Victoria Island.
Tel: 8041234, 0702800123
Email: [email protected]

Etisalat Nigeria
Everest Place
Plot 19 Zone L, Federal Government Layout
Banana Island, Ikoyi
Tel: 200 from etisalat line
0809-0000200 from any Mobile or Fixed Line
Email; [email protected]

 


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5 Common Backup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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Are you confident that your valuable data is protected from unexpected disasters or cyber threats? Consider this: 1 in 10 computers fall victim to viruses, and a staggering 113 phones are stolen every minute every day[1].

With data loss being a sudden and potentially irretrievable nightmare, ensuring reliable backups is non-negotiable. March 31st, celebrated as World Backup Day, is a poignant reminder of this essential task. Let’s delve into the common backup mistakes people make and how to steer clear of those.

1. Skipping regular backups:

The most common mistake is forgetting to back up data regularly. Whether personal files or crucial business documents, not establishing a consistent backup routine leaves you vulnerable to data loss.

Unexpected system crashes or malware attacks can happen anytime, making your precious data inaccessible or permanently lost. But you can help avoid such a situation by setting up automatic backups.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
2. Putting all faith in a single backup device:

A device can get damaged or stolen, putting your backups at risk, so depending entirely on one storage medium is playing a dangerous game with your data’s safety.

 Instead, diversify your backup storage solutions with a combination of external HDDs, NAS, and cloud storage.

Portable HDDs like those from WD like Western Digital’s My Passport offer up to 5TB for simple, cost-effective backups. For smartphones, 2-in-1 flash drives such as SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C and SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe are convenient options.

These drives, compatible with USB Type-C devices, automatically back up photos, videos, and more. Just plug and play for seamless data transfer across devices.

If you need a device to store huge amounts of data, then the desktop drive called My Book  from WD is just the product for you, with up to 22TB of storage capacity.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
storage device

3. Forgetting version control:

Overlooking version control during backups is another blunder. Not keeping multiple versions of files increases the chance of saving corrupted or wrong data over previous versions.

Without a proper versioning system, fixing mistakes or retrieving older versions can become a challenge. To prevent forgetting version control, establish a system that tracks changes to your files over time.

This ensures that you can always revert to earlier versions if needed, helping protect against accidental data loss or corruption.

Regularly maintaining this system will help you stay organized and prepared for any unforeseen issues.

Additionally, it’s crucial to verify the version you’re backing up to ensure it’s the correct one.

This simple step can help prevent accidental overwriting of important data with potentially corrupted or incorrect versions.

Double-checking ensures that you’re safeguarding the most up-to-date and accurate information, minimizing the risk of errors during backups.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
4. Ignoring off-site backup solutions:

Many people overlook off-site backup solutions, assuming local backups are foolproof. However, relying solely on local backups makes you vulnerable to site-specific disasters like fires or theft.

Using off-site backups means keeping copies of your data in different places so that if something bad happens in one area, your data stays safe.

As an alternative, you could use cloud storage. Cloud backup devices are popular for remote data storage accessible via the internet. Various online cloud services offer features like file synchronization, sharing, and encryption for secure data storage.

5. Underestimating encryption:

Not prioritizing encryption in backups can be a costly mistake. Storing unencrypted backups makes your sensitive data vulnerable to unauthorized access or breaches.

Implementing strong encryption ensures even if your backups fall into the wrong hands, the data remains protected.

However, it is equally important to remember not to opt for out-of-the-box encryption solutions, as they might make it difficult for you to retrieve the backed-up information later.

My Passport HDD and My Book from WD come equipped with built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection that helps keep content secure.

Additionally, maintaining proper key management practices is essential to ensure smooth decryption and access to your data when needed.

SSD Backup Mistakes to avoid
Monitor and storage device

This World Backup Day, Western Digital urges you to back up your data safely, and at the same time, prepare for the unexpected by having a contingency plan in place for device mishaps like crashes, theft, or damage.

Worrying about losing data isn’t something you have to lose sleep over if you have an active data backup strategy.

A common rule of thumb for keeping important data from disappearing forever is the 3-2-1 Rule. It dictates that you should:

3. Have THREE copies of your data. One is a primary backup and two are copies.

   2. Save copies of your backups on TWO different types of media or devices.

   1. ONE backup copy should be kept offsite in case of disaster.

Determine where and how you’ll store backup files and identify support contacts for swift assistance.

These proactive measures ensure quick data recovery and safeguard your cherished memories for the long haul.


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Treepz Doubles Down on Corporate Mobility in Africa with Launch of a New Website

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Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility startup, has expanded its corporate mobility and employee transportation services across the continent with a fresh new look for its website.

 

The company’s new website boasts a sleek, user-friendly interface with added features to better showcase Treepz’s range of services for companies looking to efficiently and sustainably move employees and clients in major African cities. From on-demand employee shuttles, and school bus solutions to intra-city group trips for events and conferences, Treepz is positioning itself as an all-in-one corporate transportation provider.

Managing transportation logistics across multiple sites has always been an operational nightmare for companies,” said Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Treepz. “Our goal is to streamline that experience through Treepz’s powerful technology platform.”

With nearly 6,000 employees of companies daily relying on Treepz’s innovative tech and reliable fleet for employee transportation or staff bus commutes, we understand the complexities of managing corporate transportation firsthand. “Our revamped website simplifies the process, offering businesses a seamless solution to optimize their transportation needs and empower their workforce in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana,” Onyeka added

Key Features of the New Treepz Website

  • Trackable Dashboard for a bird’s eye view of all guests’ trips in real-time when using Treepz.
  • 24/7 customer support to assist with all mobility inquiries.
  • Wide selection of vehicle options, each with professional drivers tailored to specific needs.
  • Friendly interface for easy navigation and booking.
  • Client testimonials and case studies showcasing Treepz’s success stories.

Treepz’s mission extends beyond just transportation – they aim to revolutionize how over 1 million daily commuters experience mobility across Africa. Since its launch in 2019, the company has provided employee transit for top firms like Tekexperts, Wakanow, Somasource, and Brighter Monday across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. This has resulted in the transportation of about 5 million passengers since then.

With this digital reinvention, Treepz doubles down on transforming corporate mobility through tech-driven solutions. The company welcomes businesses seeking smarter ways to move their people to explore the new website www.treepz.com.


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Nigerian Business Leaders Partner Google for Strategic Advantage, Seeks Competitive Edge in Privacy-First Era

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Leading companies from Nigeria joined Google West Africa at a roundtable to discuss the shift towards privacy-first marketing as third-party cookies are phased out. The forum brought together leaders from FairMoney, Konga, Mondelez, Stanbic IBTC, and Zenith Bank, highlighting a collective commitment to redefining consumer engagement in the digital age.

Businesses recognize that building consumer trust is essential in a world that increasingly values privacy. In this new era, adapting marketing strategies to be more privacy-focused is not just a necessity but a strategic move towards building sustainable customer relations. This transition challenges businesses to innovate while maintaining transparency and respect for consumer data privacy, turning potential constraints into avenues for deeper consumer engagement.

“Customer trust is the new currency,” noted Felicia Otolorin, Senior Industry Lead, West Africa, Google. “Consumers are demanding more control over their data, and the savviest businesses are seeing this shift as an opportunity. This is about reimagining how we engage with technology and data, ensuring that innovation and privacy go hand-in-hand.”

The discussions emphasised this point, highlighting the competitive advantage of adopting privacy-first strategies. Google showcased innovative solutions like Google Tag and Enhanced Conversions. These tools demonstrate a commitment to both high performance and privacy standards. Success stories illustrated how other businesses have successfully navigated this shift, offering valuable insights.

“We stand at a crucial juncture,” remarked Oluwadamilare Akinwunmi, Chief Data & AI Officer at Interswitch. “The winners of tomorrow will be those enterprises that strike a balance between innovative, data-driven marketing and a profound commitment to data protection and privacy-first practices. The essential dialogues we engage in, and the subsequent actions we take, set us on the path to achieve precisely this”

The roundtable underscores a pivotal shift towards privacy-first strategies in Nigeria’s digital marketing sphere, emphasising the critical role of collaboration and innovation in this transition. It marks a collective stride towards a future where consumer trust and data privacy form the cornerstone of business growth and competitive advantage.

“We are committed to empowering Nigerian brands in building a privacy-forward future. By harnessing AI and privacy-centric technologies, we aim to empower our partners to thrive amidst these changes,” stated Felicia Otolorin, Senior Industry Lead, West Africa, Google.


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