Cybersafety: NCC alerts traders, other telecoms consumers to fraudsters’ online tactics

*The Nigerian Communications Commission discloses several ways traders and other telecoms consumers could be defrauded online via what is known as ‘telecoms fraud’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of the telecoms sector regulator’s consumer education and sensitisation initiatives, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted several fraudulent ways traders and other consumers could be defrauded on the Internet.

ConsumerConnect reports Mr. Banji Ojo, Head of the Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of NCC, stated this during the week, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, while addressing traders during telecoms consumers’ sensitisation programme, tagged, “Shine Your Eyes – No Fall Mugu”.

The programme, at Araromi Spare parts market in Ibadan, had in attendance market leaders, officials of the Commission, and representatives of telecoms providers, security agencies and reporters.

The regulator also cautioned the traders, and other telecoms consumers in attendance to be cautious of the various tactics aimed at defrauding them in the Nigerian digital ecosystem.

On increasing telecoms fraud in digital ecosystem

Telecommunications fraud, otherwise known as “telecoms fraud”, represents a serious threat to the telecommunication industry,” a Europol report said.

The form of cybercrime is also described as the abuse of telecommunications products (mainly telephones and cell phones) or services with the intention of illegally acquiring money from a communication service provider or its customers.

Aspects of telecoms fraud

Research also indicates that telecoms fraud can take many different forms, among others.

ConsumerConnect learnt the major telecoms fraud includes landlines, mobile phones, cloud systems and on-premise PBX systems.

“This sort of fraud, also known as Telco fraud, or telecoms fraud, can also include hacking or theft of service often resulting in consumers facing unexpected charges while the operators are levied with revenue losses,” report stated.

CAB Chief warns consumers against indiscriminate apps downloads

At the sensitisation programme Ibadan, Ojo also urged the traders to be wary of applications they download and people they communicate with online.

According to him, the timely sensitisation was necessary against the backdrop of several cases of fraudulent activities aimed at defrauding members of the public hackers and fraudsters in cyberspace.

The Head of CAB at NCC further noted: “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.”

He said: “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.”

We look forward to more sensitisation programmes:  Market Leader

Speaking at the sensitisation forum, Mr. Maruf Ishola, President of the Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers Association, commended the Commission for bringing the consumer education programme to the market.

Isola reportedly 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.”

The market leader added: “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.”

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