COVID-19: Be vigilant against criminal elements, IGP warns Nigerians

Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has asked Nigerians to be vigilant against criminally-minded individuals amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has warned Nigerians to be vigilant against criminal elements

Adamu also asked the citizens to take precautionary steps against some individuals who might explore the emergency situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic to increase and diversify their criminal activities.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, the “IGP’s advice is informed by intelligence at the disposal of the Force which suggests that fraud and cybercrime are expected to rise at this time owing to the lockdown emplaced by Government at all levels to contain the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.”

According to Mba, “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.”

The police spokesman noted that the fraudsters use names of prominent companies involved in the production and distribution of these items.

Speaking further, Mba explained that victims are then asked to pay via bank transfer.

On how to prevent being a victim, the police advised Nigerians to avoid opening suspicious emails and clicking on links in unrecognized emails and attachments, ensure proper back-up of online and offline files regularly and securely, use strong passwords for securing your emails and social media handles.

He also wants the citizens to keep their software updated, including antivirus software, manage their social media settings and 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. (Channels TV)