The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned Nigerians against malicious electronic messages falsely claiming that recipients have violated traffic rules or committed related offences.
The commission said the messages are designed to create fear and urgency, tricking unsuspecting people into clicking harmful links, disclosing personal information or following fraudulent instructions.
In an advisory signed by NDPC Head of Media Unit, Itunu Dosekun, and posted on the commission’s X handle on Friday, the agency said such messages were previously circulated mainly through phishing emails but could now be sent through various electronic channels.
The NDPC urged Nigerians not to click on links or follow instructions contained in messages that cannot be independently verified.
“Be absolutely sure,” the commission advised, urging recipients to check the sender’s address, domain name and links before taking any action.
The commission said anyone who is unsure whether a message genuinely came from a bona fide authority or organisation should not click on its links or follow its instructions.
How to Verify Suspicious Messages
The NDPC advised members of the public to independently verify suspicious communications by contacting the organisation or authority named in the message through a known and trusted telephone number, website or email address.
It specifically warned Nigerians not to use contact details supplied in suspicious messages.
The commission also encouraged the public to report suspicious messages and impersonation attempts to the NDPC and the organisation or authority being impersonated.
NDPC Gives Account Security Advice
On account security, the NDPC advised Nigerians to use strong and unique passwords rather than using the same password across multiple services.
It also urged people to change their passwords immediately if they suspect that their accounts may have been compromised.
The commission further encouraged Nigerians to enable multi-factor authentication wherever it is available, noting that it provides “an additional layer of protection beyond your password.”
The NDPC warned that fear, urgency or the appearance of official authority should not pressure anyone into clicking links or disclosing personal information.
“Stop, verify, protect, report,” the commission said.
