Beware of fraudsters via online, phone conversations, NCC cautions traders in Oyo

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, said that there were many fraudulent ways traders and other members of the public could be defrauded online, cautioning them to beware of various online tactics aimed at defrauding them.

NCC’s Head of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Banji Ojo, gave the warning while addressing traders during telecoms consumers’ sensitisation programme with the theme: “Shine Your Eyes – No Fall Mugu.”

The programme, which was held at Araromi Spareparts market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, had market leaders, NCC officials and representatives of telecoms providers, security agencies and journalists in attendance.

He, therefore, charged the traders to be wary of applications they download and people they communicate with online.

Ojo said the sensitisation became necessary given the various cases of fraudulent activities aimed at defrauding members of the public online by hackers and fraudsters.

He said: “There are many ways to defraud you online. Do not open applications you don’t know. Do not give your password to anyone, even your children.

“It is dangerous to share your information with someone you don’t trust online.

‘That is why we are saying you should open your eyes and shine your face. No bank will call to ask you to reveal your bank details on the phone.”

In his remarks, President of the Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers Association, Olanrewaju Maruf Ishola, who thanked the commission for bringing such an educative programme to the market, said: “This programme is very important. As you can see, our people came out in their numbers to attend. They have listened and learnt a lot.”

“We love the programme. It is very helpful. We want to thank the NCC for bringing it to our doorstep. We look forward to having more programmes of this kind.”