The Port Harcourt’s Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Ahmed. M. Ghali, has cautioned students of Federal Government College, Obi/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, to stay away from internet fraud, stressing that every indulgence in it comes with grave and devastating consequences.
This was contained in a statement by the Commission’s Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
He gave the warning in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Friday, September 29, 2023, at a One-Day Sensitization Lecture organized by Cot Cyber Consults, a representative of an international health insurance firm, AXA.
Speaking through Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Adie Placidus, on the topic: “The Financial Consequences of Cyber Crimes”, Ghali said the essence of the lecture was to enable youths to have a deeper knowledge of the effects of internet fraud.
He explained that cyber crimes if not properly tackled, could have adverse financial effects on society and the nation.
“This is a critical issue that affects individuals, businesses, and even nations. Each day, millions of people fall victim to cybercrimes, often resulting in significant financial losses. Cyber-criminals impersonate legitimate institutions to trick individuals into revealing their personal information, which can lead to drained bank accounts, unauthorized card charges, or even identity theft and several others”, he said.
Ghali stressed that, though cybercrimes are destructive in their effects, they can be prevented through “enhanced public awareness and sensitization of end-users on the need to ensure cyber security at all times, become vigilant when browsing, never click on unfamiliar links or adverts, always ensure websites are safe before entering credentials and using strong passwords”.
He also warned that legal sanctions, including imprisonment, fines, and convictions may be suffered by internet offenders and to avoid these, he advised students to spend their time more profitably by exploring the internet positively as undergraduates and not to indulge in cybercrimes.
In her remark, a representative of AXA, Dr. V. C. Ugwuja, explained that her firm organised the programme to sensitize students on the ills of internet fraud. She noted that youths get involved in internet fraud as a result of indiscipline, lack of good moral values, and contentment.
Advising the students, she said, they must shun all forms of moral indiscipline and exhibit a good attitude at all times.
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