The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has alerted Nigerians to the rise in phishing activities targeted at unsuspecting individuals across various digital platforms.

In a statement on Tuesday, the EFCC said that the fraudulent schemes were aimed at deceiving victims into “disclosing sensitive personal information, including financial details, through deceptive emails, text messages, social media messengers and fake websites.”

The anti-graft agency revealed that the “phishing perpetrators often impersonate reputable organisations, financial institutions or government agencies, exploiting the trust of their victims for illicit gains.”

The EFCC emphasised the need for people to be vigilant and cautious when encountering unsolicited communications or unfamiliar links, especially those requesting sensitive information or promising financial benefits.

It advised individuals to verify the authenticity of any communication (message) or website before divulging personal details or engaging in financial transactions.

Urging the public to “promptly report any suspected phishing attempt or fraudulent activity to its nearest zonal command or the nearest law enforcement agency,” the agency noted that “timely reporting enables swift action to be taken to disrupt criminal operations and protect potential victims from financial losses and identity theft.”