The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has cautioned Nigerians about a surge in holiday shopping scams targeting online shoppers.
According to NITDA, cybercriminals exploit festive seasons with phishing emails, fake online stores, and malicious links disguised as irresistible Black Friday or end-of-year deals.
“Many fall victim to phishing emails or text messages promoting irresistible Black Friday deals or end-of-year sales,” the IT agency says.
Use Secure Networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on sensitive accounts.
NITDA to Nigerians
NITDA to Nigerians: Holiday shopping scams are now widespread
“Holiday shopping scams are now widespread.. so people need to be cautious to avoid falling prey to these schemes.”
NITDA highlights the impact of these scams, which often lead to financial losses, identity theft, and emotional distress. Victims are tricked into clicking harmful links or purchasing from fraudulent sites, exposing their money and personal information to criminals.
To avoid falling prey to these schemes, NITDA advises Nigerians to:
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Go directly to retailers’ official websites to confirm sales instead of trusting unsolicited messages.
Verify Online Stores: Check reviews, contact details, and ensure the website has a secure “https://” connection before making purchases.
Use Secure Networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on sensitive accounts.
Stay Cautious of Unrealistic Deals: Offers that seem too good to be true are often scams.
Monitor Bank Accounts: Regularly check for unauthorised transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.
NITDA urges Nigerians to remain cautious during the holiday season to protect their finances and personal information.
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