In keeping with the spirit of its mandate on consumer education, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pointedly warned citizens and telecom consumers that banks would not request for their personal details via emails.
Speaking at the NCC Special Day at the 2019 Lagos International Trade Fair, held on 7th November 2019, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, who was represented by the Commission’s Head, Information and Reference Unit of Consumer Affairs Bureau, said as the Commission intensifies efforts to deepen broadband access to Nigerians, Nigerians needs to be aware that there are some individuals who dishonestly use the Internet and other telecommunication channels to defraud unsuspecting telecoms users and bank customers of their money.
The EVC reiterated that cybercrime and e-fraud are challenging issues in telecommunications, thus, Commission advises all consumers to be careful when opening suspicious emails that are not familiar to them. Danbatta also advised telecom consumers not to post personal identification information or save passwords/PIN codes online.
Danbatta said it is important that telecom consumers be vigilant about the wiles of cyber criminals so that those who fall victim of cyber fraud would not turn around to blame the banks, the service providers or even the telecom regulator for their losses. "That is why we continuously sensitise consumers on this, especially as Internet access and other telecoms services become more pervasive and more accessible to all”. He added.
He reminded the consumer of the existence of Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code which consumers can leverage to personally control unsolicited text messages, and the 622 Toll Free line which telecom consumers can use to report unsatisfactorily-addressed complaints earlier reported to their service providers.
The trade fair is organised annually by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos and NCC has been consistent in participating. The Commission uses the platform of NCC Day at the Trade Fair to interact with telecoms consumers and to educate them on their rights, privileges as well as obligations as critical stakeholders in the telecom industry.