The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on the general public to disregard any fake news claiming that the Agency or its staff endorses money doubling Financial Investments scheme.
The Agency refutes any affiliation or endorsement of these platforms and strongly advises the general public on the need for caution when dealing with online money doubling scheme especially via whatsApp mobile Application.
In a press release signed by NITDA Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit, Mrs Hadiza Umar mnipr m.apra, mcipr, she said that these fraudulent Financial Investment companies lure users by requesting that you join their WhatsApp group, consequently, they access records of citizens phone numbers. These phone numbers can further be used in SMS scams as well as other various cybercrimes.
The statement read, “The general public is advised to always verify if these firms have clearance from relevant Government Agencies mandated to license Corporate Investment Advisers.
“The public is further advised to be wary of any quick wins schemes especially if it violates the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation.
“Furthermore, NITDA strongly advises the general public to disregard the malicious investment scheme even if the people behind such purportedly use NITDA’s name, its affiliates, logo and or staff of the agency as a bait to lure the people.
“The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a Federal Government Agency established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a,b,f,m) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; provide guidelines to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure for information technology and systems application and development in Nigeria for public and private sectors, urban-rural development, the economy and the government; render advisory services in all information technology matters to the public and private sectors and; accelerate internet and intranet penetration in Nigeria and promote sound internet Governance among others, the statement concluded
