NITDA Alerts Nigerians on Fake COVID-19 Relief Disbursement Scheme

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has alerted the general public of another fraudulent online data collection scheme that is capitalizing on the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency, revealed this in a statement signed by Mrs Hadiza Umar, head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations NITDA, on Tuesday, in Abuja.

According to the statement, “the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) wishes to draw the attention of the general public to yet another fraudulent online data collection form that is capitalizing on the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

“The information being circulated which has now gone viral on various social media platforms, requests users to provide their personal data such as phone number, email address, bank details etc.

“This, the information indicates, that it is for the users to access various Government palliatives aimed at cushioning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The agency however warned that the site is fraudulent site and advised Nigerians to be wary of such online requests, noting that governments at all levels have established channels of collecting information for the purpose of disbursing palliatives.

It further revealed that due to the lockdown and ‘Stay At Home’ directive being observed globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of the cyber-criminals are on the increase.

“As enshrined in NITDA’s enabling Act, the Agency is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace for all Nigerians and residents.

“The Agency is therefore doing everything possible to shut down all identified fraudulent online platforms as well as sanction those behind them”.

Similarly, the statement advised internet users to observe the following precautionary measures online, like not to give out their personal information to any unverified data collection platform; avoid clicking unknown links; disregard offers requesting for their bank details; not to share any unverified information via social media platforms; and know what to do when they become victims of cybercrime.

The Agency further calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its efforts at containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

“We are all encouraged to strictly adhere to recommendations given by health experts and follow updates from relevant agencies handling this outbreak, especially the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTFCOVID-19) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)”.