ALERT: Coronavirus pandemic emergency kit
— facts, myths and how to protect yourself
In the wake of Convid-19 pandemic, the
Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed
Adamu, has enjoined members of the public
to remain vigilant and take precautionary
actions against criminal elements.

The IGP noted that criminals might explore
the emergency situation created by the
Covid-19 pandemic to increase and diversify
their criminal activities.

According to a statement by Force PRO, DCP
Frank Mba, the IGP’s advice is informed by
intelligence at the disposal of the Force
which suggests that fraud and cybercrime
are expected to rise at this time owing to
the lock-down emplaced by Government at
all levels to contain the Covid-19
(Coronavirus) pandemic.

Specifically, intelligence obtained from the
INTERPOL Headquarters shows that
scammers in Nigeria and other parts of the
globe have begun to create and set up
fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms,
fake social media accounts and emails
claiming to sell and deliver (covid-19)
medical products. In some cases, they use
the names of prominent companies involved
in the production and distribution of these
items. Victims are then asked to pay via
bank transfer.

The IGP therefore enjoins the public to
strictly adhere to the following security tips:

i. Avoid opening suspicious emails and
clicking on links in unrecognized emails and
attachments;

ii. Ensure proper back-up of online and
offline files regularly and securely;

iii. Use strong passwords for securing your
emails and social media handles;

iv. Keep your software updated, including
antivirus software;

v. Manage your social media settings and
review your privacy and security settings;

vi. You are advised to be wary of scammers
who use names of prominent companies to
create fraudulent websites, e-commerce
platforms, social media accounts and emails
claiming to sell and deliver medical
products;

vii. You are advised to ignore and report
calls purportedly emanating from a caller
who pretends to be a relative currently
being treated at hospital asking you to pay
for the cost of the medical treatment by
transferring money or by paying cash to
fake public health representatives;

viii. Do not open letters or emails related to
the pandemic from unknown persons who
claim to be health authorities. Often times
criminals access sensitive information,steal
personal information and steal funds of
victims by tricking them into connecting to a
specific webpage and logging-in with their
credentials;

ix. Be mindful of fake news, deliberate
misinformation/disinformation and avoid
circulating untrusted and unverified
messages on your social media handles;

x. Educate your family, especially your
children, about how to stay safe online and
offline;

xi. If you become a victim, ensure prompt
report to the police.

Against the foregoing, the IGP has placed
the Commissioner of Police in charge of the
Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB),
Abuja – Nigeria on red alert.

The NCB which houses the cybercrime unit
of the Force shall in the coming days and
beyond work closely with other Interpol
member states across the globe particularly
to carry out intense monitoring of the
internet highway in the most legitimate and
ethical manner.

This is to engender concerted efforts in
cracking down on any individual or all forms
of organized criminal gangs that may want
to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic
to perpetrate crimes.

The Force also enjoins commercial bank
operators to strengthen their online banking
security systems and report promptly any
suspected case of fraud and other
cybercrime related activities in their banks.

While reaffirming the determination of the
Nigeria Police Force in providing support
services to relevant agencies saddled with
the task of curtailing and containing the
COVID-19 pandemic, the IGP assures the
public that the Force is unrelenting in
clamping down on criminals who may want
to take advantage of the situation to
perpetrate criminal acts.

https://www.today.ng/technology/cybersecurity/police-alert-nigerians-emerging-crime-trends-289005

Make them share money not audio oh


Lagos will be most hit.