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 were designed to create fear and a sense of urgency, prompting unsuspecting members of the public to click on malicious links, disclose personal information or follow harmful instructions.
In an advisory signed by the Head of the Media Unit, Itunu Dosekun, and posted on its X handle on Friday, the NDPC said such malicious communications were previously circulated largely through phishing emails but could now be transmitted through various electronic channels.
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The Commission urged members of the public not to click on or follow instructions contained in messages that cannot be independently verified.
“Be absolutely sure,” the Commission advised, stressing that anyone uncertain whether a message came from a “bona fide authority or organisation” should not click on links or follow its instructions.
The NDPC further advised Nigerians to carefully examine the sender’s address, domain name and links before clicking.
It also urged members of the public to independently verify suspicious messages by contacting the organisation or authority named in the communication through a known and trusted telephone number, website or email address.
“Do not use the contact details provided in the suspicious message,” the Commission warned.
The data protection agency also encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious messages and impersonation attempts to the Commission, as well as the organisation or authority being impersonated.
On account security, the NDPC advised Nigerians to use strong and unique passwords and avoid using the same password across multiple services.
It also urged users to change their passwords promptly if they suspect that their accounts have been compromised.
The Commission encouraged Nigerians to enable multi-factor authentication wherever it is available, describing the security feature as “an additional layer of protection beyond your password.”
The NDPC cautioned members of the public against allowing fear, urgency or the appearance of official authority to pressure them into clicking links or disclosing personal information.
“Stop, verify, protect, report,” the Commission said.
