Experts in technology and innovation said Nigeria needed stronger enforcement and improved capacity within law enforcement to deal with internet fraud.
Jide Awe, a Science, Technology and Innovation, STI, Policy Advisor and Founder, Jidaw.com, told the News Agency of Nigeria this on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mr Awe said that prosecuting criminals and recovering stolen money would assist sending the right message.
He said that there was a corresponding need to raise public awareness about the risks of internet fraud and take steps to bolster cyber security and secure data as digital adoption grows.
Mr Awe said, “Many people still fall victim to internet scams because they are simply not aware of the risks of internet fraud. The poor level of public awareness is another factor.
“As digital adoption grows, there is a corresponding need to raise public awareness about the risks of internet fraud and to take steps to bolster cyber security and secure data.
“Public awareness and learning must be ongoing, as new threats continue to emerge and cybercriminals constantly develop new ways to commit fraud.”
Mr Awe said that tough economic conditions can be a contributing factor to internet fraud, adding that when people struggle to make ends meet, they become more vulnerable to scams that promise easy money.
“Increased internet access stands out as a major contributory factor to internet fraud.
“The dramatic rise in the number of people with internet access has consequently led to an increase in potential victims for internet fraudsters.
“The COVID-19 pandemic also forced people to spend more time online, thereby making them more susceptible to scams.
“Closely related to this is the heightened use of online banking and payments, rendering people more vulnerable to fraudsters who can steal their personal and financial information.
“As for internet fraudsters, some of them turn to fraud as a way to make money due to the harsh economic climate, lack of job opportunities, and prevailing socio-economic inequalities,” he said.
In her remarks, Tinuola Popoola, a System Analyst and Cyber Safety Advocate, said internet fraud was on the rise due to unfavorable economic policies not encouraging the growth of small businesses.
“Poor economic state of the country, high rate of poverty among citizens, unemployment, lack of financial education and money management knowledge for youth can cause fraud.
“Greed and peer pressure effect (wanting to be like their mates) can also contribute to internet fraud among others,” she said.
NAN
