The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it discovered an ostensibly syndicated group on the prowl to swindle unsuspecting members of the public, particularly millions of Nigerian telecom consumers, by capitalizing on David Adedeji Adeleke, better known as Davido, while conducting online social listening.
Entrepreneurs NG recalls that Davido revealed over the weekend that he would contribute N250 million to orphanages across Nigeria.
Taking advantage of Davido’s generosity, a bunch of con artists created a viral advertorial titled “Davido Airtime and Data Giveaway,” stating that Davido is “giving out free 5K Airtime and 10GB Internet data of all networks” to commemorate his birthday. The general population is invited to hurry and collect the present by clicking on the links that reportedly connect them to network sites where they will be credited with airtime and data, according to the advertorial. This is a rip-off.
The NCC’s director of public affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, issued a statement advising “teeming telecom consumers to have nothing to do with the advertisement or any similar false enticements.”
”The adverts are what they are – social engineering rip-offs designed to get people’s MSISDN and other information that fraudsters can use later to defraud unsuspecting telecom consumers and members of the public.
For clarity, the MSISDN is simply the full phone number of a cellphone, in addition to other protocol information. This number is unique and identifies subscribers/owners in a GSM or other mobile networks. Therefore, it suffices to state that any unscrupulous person or unethical hacker can use the number and attendant protocol to undermine the privacy of the real owners of the number through identity theft and other scams.
The NCC, therefore, reiterates its earlier warning to telecom consumers to be cautious and not to let their guards down. If a promo or an offer seems too good to be true, then it is likely untrue.
The Commission will not rest on its oars in empowering telecom consumers with the requisite information and education in order to protect them from cybercriminals determined to use the telecom platforms to perpetrate frauds.” the statement read
