By Joel Gwom
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has cautioned Nigerians against the rising cases of online impersonation and fraudulent requests for money by cybercriminals.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Liaison Officer of the Centre, DSP Unwana Imah, the NPF-NCCC said fraudsters impersonate individuals, public officials and organisations to deceive unsuspecting victims into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information.
According to the statement, the criminals often create fake social media accounts or gain unauthorised access to existing accounts, using the names, photographs and personal details of their victims to establish credibility and contact friends, family members and business associates.
The statement noted that the perpetrators present urgent requests for financial assistance, investment opportunities or business transactions, and in some cases impersonate officials of financial institutions or law enforcement agencies to obtain banking details, passwords or OTPs.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the NPF-NCCC, AIG Akaninyene Ezima, urged members of the public to exercise caution when responding to unsolicited messages, calls or online requests involving money or sensitive information.
He advised the public to independently verify such requests through known and trusted channels and avoid disclosing passwords, PINs and OTPs to anyone.
The statement further advised individuals who suspect their social media accounts have been compromised to notify their contacts, secure their accounts and report through the relevant platform.
It added that where money has been transferred, victims should immediately contact their bank and report to the nearest police station or the NPF-NCCC with relevant evidence.
The Centre reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime through intelligence-led investigations, strategic collaboration and sustained public awareness.
