Ever received an email that screams, "URGENT! Your bank account has been suspended!" or a WhatsApp broadcast promising “₦50,000 COVID relief funds”? That, my friend, could be phishing.The dark art of digital deception. Phishing is when cybercriminals dress up as someone you trust (like your bank, an e-commerce site, or even EFCC) just to trick you into giving away sensitive info. It’s a scam in sheep’s clothing, and with Nigeria’s internet usage rising, more people are falling prey to these sleek, sugarcoated traps.
Now, the tactics are evolving. No longer just email, phishing prowls on Instagram DMs, Twitter (X), Telegram, SMS, and even job offer letters. The site they send you may look identical to GTBank or CAC Nigeria, but it’s a counterfeit, a clone crafted to collect your login details, debit card PINs, or NIN. Scammers use urgency as bait, e.g. "Act now or lose access!" — and before you know it, your money is marching away without a goodbye.
But how do you spot a phishing link before it bites? First, check the website URL. Scammers often use slight typos like “gtbannk.com” instead of “gtbank.com”. If you receive a link or message that feels off, don't act immediately. Instead, double-check with the official social media handles of the organisation, their verified websites, or news outlets. Real brands won’t use suspicious Gmail addresses, nor will they threaten you into action. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA), avoid saving cards on random sites, and never share your OTP with anyone, not even "customer service agents." And yes, beware of any site that lacks the padlock icon (🔒) before the web address.
Finally, if you suspect you’ve been phished, act fast by changing your passwords, calling your bank, and securing your email. Think of your data as your digital DNA. Once stolen, it can be used to impersonate, defraud, or blackmail you. In the digital age, being careless online is like leaving your ATM card in a stranger’s hand. Don’t just surf the web, outsmart it.