NPF-NCCC cautions public towards on-line impersonation, fraudulent requests for cash

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has cautioned the general public towards on-line impersonation, and fraudulent requests for cash.
A press assertion by the Public Relations Liaison Officer for the Center, DSP Unwana Imah, in a press assertion, Wednesday, in Abuja, stated: "NPF-NCCC wishes to draw the attention of the public to the activities of cybercriminals who impersonate individuals, public officials and organisations to deceive unsuspecting victims into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information."These fraudsters usually create faux social media accounts or acquire unauthorised entry to current accounts. They could use the names, pictures and different private particulars of their victims to ascertain credibility and speak to buddies, members of the family, colleagues or enterprise associates.
"In some instances, the perpetrators present urgent requests for financial assistance, investment opportunities or business transactions. They may also impersonate officials of financial institutions or law enforcement agencies in an attempt to obtain banking details, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs).
"The Assistant Inspector-General of Police answerable for the NPF-NCCC, AIG Akaninyene Ezima, has subsequently urged members of the general public to train warning when responding to unsolicited messages, calls or on-line requests, significantly these involving cash or delicate private info.
"Members of the public are advised to independently verify such requests by contacting the individual or organisation through a known and trusted telephone number or other established communication channel. They should also avoid disclosing their passwords, PINs and OTPs to anyone," he said.
The Director additional suggested people who suspect that their social media accounts have been compromised to inform their contacts, safe their accounts and report the incident by way of the related platform.
Where cash has been transferred, victims ought to instantly contact their monetary establishment and report the matter to the closest police station or the NPF-NCCC, offering related proof, he added.
The director reiterated the dedication of the NPF-NCCC to combating cybercrime by way of intelligence-led investigations, strategic collaboration and sustained public consciousness.
He inspired Nigerians to stay vigilant and undertake secure practices of their use of digital platform.