Free data, airtime, cash rewards and giveaways can easily get our attention.
The Nigerian Communications Commission – Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) recently identified a phishing campaign falsely promising Nigerians 10GB of free mobile data and ₦5,000 airtime. Users were asked to provide their phone numbers and share the offer with WhatsApp contacts or groups.
There was no genuine reward. The offer was designed to collect personal information and spread through unsuspecting users.
Why Can This Work?
Not every scam uses fear or urgency. Some attract you with something free or rewarding.
It could be free data, airtime, a giveaway, cash reward, grant, prize or special promotion. When it comes from someone you know, it can appear even more trustworthy.
Someone you trust can unknowingly share a scam with you.
What Should You Look Out For?
Be cautious when an offer:
- Promises unusually attractive rewards or freebies.
- Asks for personal information before you can claim it.
- Requires you to share or forward it to others to qualify.
- Directs you to an unfamiliar website.
- Cannot be verified through the organisation’s official channels.
What Should You Do?
- Don’t click unfamiliar promotional links simply because the offer looks attractive.
- Don’t provide personal information through unsolicited promotional websites.
- Verify promotions through the organisation’s official website, app or known communication channels.
- Don’t assume an offer is genuine because a friend, colleague or family member shared it.
- If you’ve already shared a suspicious offer, inform the recipients not to interact with it.
Remember
The next scam may offer something completely different, but the technique can remain the same: attract your attention, get you to click, collect your information and encourage you to spread it.
An attractive offer is not proof of a genuine offer. Verify before you click.
🔐 CyberDesk – Protecting Our Digital Workplace
