FG’s Agency Alerts Nigerians on New Ways Scammers Now Use to Defraud People

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the potential risks associated with Quick Response (QR) codes. According to NITDA, scammers are exploiting QR codes for various fraudulent activities, including phishing scams, payment fraud, and data theft.

QR codes are machine-readable codes consisting of black and white squares that can store information, such as URLs or contact details, which can be read by smartphone cameras. However, scammers are now using fraudulent QR codes to deceive users and steal sensitive information.

One of the tactics used by scammers is to create fake QR codes that redirect users to phishing websites or malicious URLs. Once scanned, these QR codes can trick users into providing personal information, such as names, addresses, and contact details, which can then be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

Additionally, scammers may use QR codes to reroute payments, leading to financial losses for unsuspecting victims. Furthermore, malicious malware or data-stealing scripts can be embedded in QR codes, compromising the security of users’ devices and data.

NITDA advises Nigerians to exercise caution when scanning QR codes, especially those obtained from unfamiliar sources or embedded in suspicious advertisements or online surveys. Users should ensure that they only scan QR codes from trusted sources and verify the legitimacy of the information or website before providing any personal or financial details.

By raising awareness about the risks associated with QR codes and providing guidance on how to stay safe, NITDA aims to help Nigerians protect themselves from falling victim to QR code-related scams and frauds.