Beware of fraudsters when using dating apps

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned citizens, especially youths, to beware of fraudsters when using dating apps.

The Director of the National Cybercrime Center, Uche Henry, issued the warning during an event on checking cyber-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence, to mark 16 days of activism, on Monday, November 27, in Abuja.

He said that the police have received many reports about victims of cyber crimes, hence the appeal for people to be more careful.

He added that the police have implemented some strategies to help in the fight against cybercrime and sextortion.

Henry said: “We have started to receive many victims from Nigeria reporting being victims of cybercrime and sextortion. So we’ve focused our attention on how to contain this threat, which we’re doing a lot of and recording a lot of successes.

“Police implemented strategies and measures to help combat the threat and many arrests were made while the culprits faced prosecution.

“When you are visiting dating apps you have to be very careful because some of them pretend to be women and when they gain your trust they start extorting you by asking for your nude photos.

“When scammers start preaching love and a sense of urgency, within a week or two, the demand for money is like a red flag.”

Speaking earlier, SGAI Executive Director Mufuliat Fijabi said the event aimed to educate youth on VFCSGB issues.

Fijabi said: “Until now, there have been many concerns about sexual and gender-based violence, but not as much attention has been paid to acts of SGBV committed in cyberspace.

“We want a situation where more young people, more parents, stakeholders and people take advantage of the need to continue to defend against the occurrence of this type of violence in cyberspace. Violence sometimes leads to mental problems, retirement and career, among others.”

Source: www.lindaikejisblog.com