The invention of the internet technology marked a remarkable turn- around in the life of citizens of the world. The Internet has facilitated global business and social interactions. It has indeed turned the world to a global village. It has greatly contributed in enhancing communication and interaction between people irrespective of their location in the globe.
However, rather than maximizing these benefits which the internet offers, some youths have turned the innovation to a monster. Many Nigerian youths now use the Internet to perpetrate all manner of social, financial, and economic crimes. This has made foreign nations to see Nigeria as a nation of scammers, irrespective of many other achievements of Nigerians in fields such as made in medicine, movies, sports, arts, music amongst other. It’s no secret that Internet fraud is shame to the image of the country, it has made Nigeria look so bad as country with crooks plotting how to defraud innocent Nigerians their hard-earned money.
The proceeds of such crimes have turned many youths to millionaires overnight. Many undergraduates now engage in dubious internet businesses. Some who manage to remain in school do buy their way to graduation. When they appear in school, they have only come to showcase the wealth they have accumulated. The ‘Yahoo boys’, as they are popularly called constitute a threat both to the world economy and the educational system in Nigeria. Not only that, but some secondary school students are also now being recruited into the illegitimate business.
As the e-fraud has become one of the many things associated with the Nigerian population. The association of internet fraud with Nigeria has caused losses for many Nigerian citizens who have been denied job opportunities, business opportunities, or visas because of the fear of internet scams. The internet offers a world of benefits. Topmost of which is the ease of sending and receiving information. However, there are some other uses for which the internet has not been helpful such as:
Spoofing: Spoofing is when an online scammer sends a mail that looks like that from a legitimate company in the hope that you will respond with sensitive information.
Phishing: This is a situation where an online scammer duplicates a legitimate website to trick the user into entering sensitive information that can be used for further illegal activities.
Below are some tips to avoid online baits which can in turn help curb internet fraud in Nigeria:
- KEEP YOUR PASSWORDS SECRET: It is important that you keep the passwords to your accounts, whether social media or bank accounts safe.
- STAY ALERT: You must always be careful when using your mail or entering your personal information into sites. Ensure you only open emails, links, and attachments from trustworthy sources.
Check the Web Address of popular and legitimate websites: Learn to cross-check for the URLs of communication channels of the website used to reach out to you ensuring they match with the legitimate website. The web address for the phishing site may contain the address of the legitimate website but would also often contain codes to reroute the traffic to a false website.
- PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER: There are various software, spam filters, firewalls and other anti-virus programs that can protect your system from viruses. You must also update these programs regularly to keep them functional.
Important software to protect your computer:
Firewall: Firewall software helps to prevent viruses and malware from accessing your computer
Anti-Spyware Software: This helps to block the installation of spyware used to monitor or control your computer without your consent.
Anti-Spam Software: This helps to prevent junk and spam eamils from your inbox and in turn, helps to prvent phishing emails.
- BEWARE OF PHISHING EMAILS: Be cautious whenever you receive emails that require clicking links for account change or verification. Most times, the links included in the email install dangerous malwares on your device and can be used to obtain your personal information as well as access your email.
- ACT IMMEDIATELY: If you think you have been a victim of an online scam, having provided private data such as account numbers, PINS, or passwords, then you must notify your banks or Account Management Company immediately.
- KNOWWHO IS ASKING: Generally, never you share your personal information; Tax ID Nos, Account Nos, passwords or login details through email or sms. Remember that financial institutions do not emails or text messages that require your personal information. Be sure you know who is demanding your information before responding.
James Nwachuya #EMBA28
My Homeland