Internet scammers on the prowl, security agencies alert Nigerians

The Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) has warned Nigerians of the growing activities of Internet scammers and criminals.

[su_quote]The security forum urged the public to co-operate with the government in the fight against the increasing Internet scams and online crimes by verifying all offers and report suspected swindlers to the appropriate authorities for necessary actions.[/su_quote]

The swindlers often use fake identities with offers of employment and counterfeit business opportunities in exchange for money and for other criminal activities, the security group alerted at the monthly meeting of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) hosted in Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said in a statement that the meeting was attended by spokespersons of military, security, intelligence and response agencies.

The security forum urged the public to co-operate with the government in the fight against the increasing Internet scams and online crimes by verifying all offers and report suspected swindlers to the appropriate authorities for necessary actions.

While noting that more arrests are being made on regular basis as the online fraudsters are becoming daring in their exploits, the forum said government has put in place measures and enabling laws to deal with the perpetrators but the public must assist in exposing the criminal elements to the authorities.

Also speaking at the occasion, Major General Chris Olukolade, the Chairman of the forum and Director of Defence Information urged Nigerians to be security conscious and vigilant at all times as most criminals dwells and hide within their communities.

According to Olukolade, “security agencies can only succeed when the citizens report strange movements and suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. We cannot identity a terrorists within a community by his look, dress or mannerism. The people who live with them should be able to identify suspicious and strange traits that can be reported for investigation and necessary actions.”