Stakeholders advocate strengthening law enforcement to tackle internet fraud

According to technology and innovation experts, Nigeria’s fight against internet fraud could be strengthened by enhancing the enforcement mechanisms and building the capacity of law enforcement agencies.

The stakeholders, who made the assertion during an interview with reporters in Abuja, noted that the current measures in place to curb cybercrime are inadequate to tackle the issue effectively.

Mr Jide Awe, a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Advisor and Founder of Jidaw.com, said that prosecuting criminals and recovering stolen money would assist in sending the right message.

He said there was a corresponding need to raise public awareness about the risks of internet fraud and take steps to bolster cyber security and secure data as digital adoption grows.

Awe noted that internet scams are still common due to a lack of awareness about internet fraud risks. He said the public needs to be aware of these risks and take steps to improve cyber security and protect data as digital adoption grows.

“Public awareness and learning must be ongoing, as new threats continue to emerge and cybercriminals constantly develop new ways to commit fraud,” he said.

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He observed that challenging economic conditions can heighten individuals’ susceptibility to internet fraud. As people grapple with financial hardships and strive to meet their needs, they become increasingly vulnerable to scams that lure them with promises of quick and easy money.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the surge in internet access has expanded the pool of potential victims for fraudsters operating online.

“The COVID-19 pandemic also forced people to spend more time online, thereby making them more susceptible to scams. Closely related to this is the heightened use of online banking and payments, rendering people more vulnerable to fraudsters who can steal their personal and financial information,” he said.

In his perspective, Tinuola Popoola, a system analyst and cyber safety advocate, asserted that the escalation of internet fraud can be attributed to unfavourable economic policies that fail to support the growth of small businesses.

Popoola further outlined a range of contributing factors, including the nation’s economic challenges, widespread poverty, high unemployment rates, inadequate financial education, and a lack of money management knowledge among the youth, as key drivers of fraud. He emphasised that factors such as greed and the impact of peer pressure can additionally fuel the prevalence of internet fraud, among other factors.