The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, says the country will witness an increase in criminal activities amidst the lockdown imposed across the country to tackle the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Adamu made this known in a statement signed by the Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the police boss, internet fraudsters have started setting up fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, fake social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver COVID-19 medical products.
The police boss said the intelligence was obtained from the International Criminal Police Organisation headquarters in Lyon, France.
He said, “Specifically, intelligence obtained from the INTERPOL headquarters shows that scammers in Nigeria and other parts of the globe have begun to create and set up fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, fake social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver (COVID-19) medical products.
“In some cases, they use the names of prominent companies involved in the production and distribution of these items. Victims are then asked to pay via bank transfer.”
Speaking further, Adamu said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Interpol National Central Bureau, Abuja, has been notified and put on red alert.
The police boss the cybercrime unit of the Force would collaborate with other Interpol member states across the world to ensure that fraudsters do not take advantage of the current pandemic.
Adamu cautioned the public against opening suspicious emails and clicking on links in unrecognised emails and attachments.
He also asked citizens to properly back-up their online and offline files regularly and securely and use of strong passwords for securing emails and social media handles.
He said, “You are advised to be wary of scammers who use names of prominent companies to create fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver medical products.”
“You should ignore and report calls purportedly emanating from a caller who pretends to be a relative currently being treated at the hospital asking you to pay for the cost of the medical treatment by transferring money or by paying cash to fake public health representatives.”
