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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised alarm over activities of fraudsters trying to defraud citizens during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The CBN noted that some of the cyber-criminal activities using the coronavirus pandemic include phishing campaigns, relief packages, and impersonation.

ā€œThe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to alert the general public that cyber-criminals are taking advantage of the current ā€œCOVID-19ā€ pandemic to defraud citizens, steal sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to computers or mobile devices using various techniques,ā€ the apex bank said.

CBN said the cyber-criminals do ā€œsend out emails claiming to be from health organizations such as the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).ā€

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The emails, containing phishing links, if clicked, allow criminals steal login credentials or other confidential information from the victimā€™s computer or mobile device, CBN warned.

The central bank also warned Nigerians to be wary messages via social media or emails asking people to click on links to register in order to get their COVID-19 relief packages.

ā€œRelief package scams also come in the form of phone calls asking people to provide their banking details to receive relief packages,ā€ it said.

It advised people to ā€œavoid clicking on links or attachments in emails that claim to have more information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and also ā€œobtain relief package or other information from trusted news media.ā€

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