The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has distanced itself from endorsing or approving any money doubling Financial Investments scheme in the country as is being insinuated in some part of the media.
In a statement issued by its Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, the Information Technology regulatory agency in Nigeria, urged the general public to disregard the claim, describing it as fake news.
“We refute 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,” the statement said.
NITDA explained 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 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,” it advised.
It also advised 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.