TheNewsGuru

Tag: Scam

  • Alleged Malabu scam: Court fixes date for trial-within-trial

    Alleged Malabu scam: Court fixes date for trial-within-trial

    A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, fixed March 27 for trial-within-trial in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s suit against Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and seven others.

    Other defendants in the criminal charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/268/2016 include A Group Construction Company Limited; Rocky Top Resources Limited; Megatech Engineering Limited; Novel Properties and Development Company Limited as 2nd to 5th defendants respectively.

    Others are Imperial Union Limited; Carlin International Nigeria Limited and the oil mogul, Mr Aliyu Abubakar, listed as  6th to 8th defendants respectively.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date following an agreement between EFCC’s counsel, Ofem Uket, and Abubakar’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, on adopting the proceeding in the trial-within-trial of a sister case also before the court.

    In another criminal charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/39/2017 and filed by EFCC, the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, and Abubakar are 1st and 2nd defendants.

    Abubakar, a businessman, had alleged that in the course of his investigation by the EFCC, he made statements under duress and was also induced to implicate others.

    The development made the court to order a trial-within-trial in the suit number: FHC/ABJ/CR/39/2017 and the proceeding was completed and adjourned for ruling.

    Upon resumed hearing in the matter against Malabu Oil and others, Olanipekun informed that he had discussed with Uket on adoption of the proceeding in the trial-within-trial in the sister case since the main defendant in the two cases was Abubakar, his client.

    The senior lawyer said the decision was in compliance with Section 46 of the Evidence Act.

    He said since witnesses had been taken in the sister case and the court had been addressed and the matter already reserved and adjourned for ruling, it was necessary to adopt the other proceeding in order not to waste the time of the court.

    “And in case we have additional witness, he (Uket) can call him because it will be frustrating to go through the same witnesses when we are all here,” he said.

    Olanipekun told the court that Uket informed him that he had only one additional witness to call.

    The anti-graft lawyer confirmed Olanipekun’s submission.

    Uket, therefore, agreed to adopt the proceeding in the sister case and call the remaining witness to speak on the statement written.

    He said why he had to call additional witness was that in the sister case, six statements were involved while in the instant suit, seven statements were involved.

    Justice Ekwo, who directed Olanipekun to file a motion for the adoption of the proceedings in the sister case, said this would afford Uket to respond accordingly.

    The judge adjourned the matter until March 27 and March 28 for trial-within-trial.

    EFCC had, on Sept. 8, 2020, re-arraigned Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and seven others on a 67-count amended charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of $875.7 million.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read to them.

    In the suit, EFCC alleged that “Malabu Oil alongside Dauzia Etete (Dan Etete), Seidougha Munamuna and Amaran Joseph, both directors of the company, who are currently on the run, “took control of the sum of $401,540,000 paid from the Federal Government of Nigeria Escrow Account No: 0041451493 IBAN 30CHAS609242411492 with JP Morgan Chase Bank in London into the account 2018288005 of Malabu Oil & Gas Limited domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria Limited.”

    The anti-graft agency alleged that Malabu oil negotiated and signed the “block 245 resolution agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria with Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, whereby taxes, accruals and royalties due to the federal government of Nigeria were unlawfully waived.”

    NAN

  • NCC-CSIRT proffers countermeasures against website scams on Microsoft Edge Browser

    NCC-CSIRT proffers countermeasures against website scams on Microsoft Edge Browser

    The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has issued an advisory for users to install trusted, up-to-date anti-virus software with an Internet security component and to customize News Feed in Microsoft Edge Browser.

    This is part of the countermeasures to lessen the chances of falling for a malicious attack that has been discovered in the browser.

    The NCC-CSIRT further advised users of the browser to practise safe Internet browsing habits and to refrain from clicking on links they are unsure of in the face of the malicious attack that has been rated as high in probability and potential damage to systems.

    The advisory stated that the malicious advertising campaign, unearthed on the Microsoft Edge Browser News Feed, redirects victims to fraudulent tech support websites and that cybercriminals have resorted to posting bizarre, attention-grabbing stories or advertisements on the Edge news feed to entice users to click on them. The malicious advertisements appear legitimate but contain malware and/or other threats.

    According to the advisory, “The Microsoft Edge News Feed is the default page that appears when a new tab is opened, and it displays information such as news, advertisements, weather, and traffic updates. Also, the following are the steps that result in being redirected to a bogus tech support page: The user clicks on a story or advertisement, the Edge browser setting is analysed for various metrics.”

    Based on the aforementioned metrics and prior results, the advisory said “if the user is adjudged to be a bot or in a location that is not of interest, the user is redirected to a harmless dummy page that is relevant to the story or advertisement initially clicked on; However, if the user is adjudged a potential victim, then the user is redirected to a tech support scam website for further exploitation.”

    Victims of the tech support website scam could have their Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and other data harvested or they could be with malware.

    The NCC, therefore, urges telecom consumers and other stakeholders in the ecosystem to install up-to-date AntiVirus software and be alert to the wiles of cybercriminals in order not to fall victim to cyber scams.

    The CSIRT is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

    The CSIRT also works collaboratively with the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, and problems or related events.

  • The new tithing scam from thief and robber pastors – By Femi Aribisala

    The new tithing scam from thief and robber pastors – By Femi Aribisala

    “Even the truth can become deceitful if used deceitfully”.

    I wrote in 2013 that: “every Pastor who collects tithes is a thief and a robber.” I was roundly excoriated by the thieves and robbers. But it has been a losing battle for them.

    Jesus says: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). The psalmist says to God: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130).

    As more and more light has been shed by the light of the world, more and more Christians have been released from the captivity of pastors operating from dens of thieves. A few years ago, Daddy Freeze re-opened this issue in Nigeria, and the pastors were again up in arms.

    Desperation

    The president of the PFN said those who do not pay tithes would soon die. No such things happened. Another false prophet among them even prophesied that Daddy Freeze himself would soon die. But the blessed man is alive and well.

    But things have gone from bad to worse for tithe-collectors. One of them, a highly respected “Man of God” in Nigeria made a statement so outrageous and unscriptural that it must only have been borne out of desperation.

    He charged all the pastors under him to tell the members of their congregation that those who do not pay tithes will not go to heaven.

    This MOG forgot that heaven is not his to give. There is no guarantee that he himself will go there. So, how can he arrogate to himself the right to prevent others from getting there?

    Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” (Matthew 23:13).

    The MOG’s desperation reminds me of a story I heard about another pastor who says it is a sin for women to wear trousers. One day, he was praying for some people to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit when a particular lady he prayed for immediately received the gift of speaking in tongues.

    Then, he noticed that she was wearing trousers.

    He called her back in annoyance, before remembering that he was not the giver of the gift. The Giver did not seem to mind her trousers.

    Bankrupt

    It was only a matter of time before the tithing scam in the churches was exposed. People have been paying tithes for years but have yet to receive physically the blessing of Malachi 3:10 that there shall not be room enough to contain. They have been paying tithes, but only the pastors have been getting richer.

    It is not as if the promise of Malachi is of no effect. The windows of heaven were opened by Jesus Christ. He is the one who secured for us the blessing that no room can contain.

    But the mysteries of the kingdom of God have not been revealed to pastors because hearing they hear but do not understand. (Matthew 13:13).

    Because of their covetousness, they failed to realise that the robbers of God that Malachi railed against were not the Israelites, but the priests. They were the ones who were cornering ALL the tithes, neglecting the orphans, the widows, and the poor:

    “‘And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.’” (Malachi 2:1-2).

    So, they said those who do not pay tithes would be cursed. But God would never curse Israel for God would never curse those he has already blessed. Moreover, the scriptures affirm that New Testament believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3).

    Creflo Dollar

    The tithing scam is not working so, one by one, the scammers are singing a new song. The latest convert to a new anthem is Creflo Dollar. Creflo was so committed to tithing that he once said that if he had the druthers, those who refuse to pay tithes would be lined up and shot. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLsDNxZcOa8).

    Now Creflo says: “The teaching that I have shared in the past on the subject of tithing was not correct… I could never understand it clearly because I had not yet been confronted with the gospel of grace… I have no shame at all in saying to you, throw away every book, tape, and video I ever did on the subject of tithing.”

    But the gospel of grace is not a new addition to the bible. It was always there. Paul says: “You are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14).

    Creflo and others cherry-picked the law and decided that tithing was applicable under grace because it was convenient to use the law to browbeat Christians into providing the funding to build their religious empires.

    Should we now believe that they have seen the light when it is no longer convenient for them to peddle the lies of the past? I do not think so.

    New scam

    It is human to be mistaken and then see the error of our ways. But the mistakes become cynical when they are to our profit. The corrections also become suspect when we offer no apologies for past errors, but now promote new self-serving principles.

    Creflo now says perhaps the reason why tithers were not blessed according to the Malachi promise was that they tithed under the law. Now, they should give under grace and be blessed.

    Moreover, he now points out that the biblical tithe was more than ten percent. Those who are no longer constrained by the tithing principle can easily give far more than ten percent. The new question is: “how much do you love God?” Give lavishly to show your love for Him.

    “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

    Of course, this is true. It has always been true. It was true all the time that pastors were threatening non-tithers with the devourer and with the denial of heavenly blessings.  But even the truth can become deceitful if used deceitfully.

    So, give. Give lavishly. Give willingly and cheerfully. But do not give to Creflo and his like. Do not give to pastors, especially tithing pastors. Do not give to the so-called church, which is really not the church. Give to widows, orphans, and the poor. Give to the Lazarus at your gate.

    They are looking for more money for their empire-building. They need more money to cater to inflation. The cost of aviation fuel had quadrupled, so they need more money to fly their planes. Do not let millionaire mega pastors use new tricks to rob you of your hard-earned money.

    “He who gives to the rich will surely come to poverty.” (Proverbs 22:16).

  • Fake prophet lands in police net in Edo

    Fake prophet lands in police net in Edo

    The Police Command in Edo, said it has arrested a man masquerading as a prophet to defraud members of the public.

    The command disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Benin, by its Public Relations Officer, SP Kontongs Bello.

    Bello said the suspect’s arrest followed a petition by one of his victims, Mr. Thomson Osamudiamen, to the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abutu Yaro.

    He explained that the victim had complained that he was hypnotised by the suspect, who collected his car.

    “According to the victim, the suspect, under the guise of a prophet, claimed he saw him in a vision where he had an accident with his Lexus ES350 car.

    “He also said the suspect told him that to avert the accident, he should use the car to sow seed to the Lord, which he did.

    “The victim said that after he returned to his senses, he noticed that the suspect had already changed the colour of the car from gold to black, and was already using it,” Bello explained.

    The Police spokesperson, who disclosed that two Lexus cars, ES350 and RX350 were recovered from the suspect during a search of his residence, said the suspect had confessed to the crime and would he charged to court.

  • Alleged P&ID scam: EFCC accuses Briton’s lawyer of delay tactics

    Alleged P&ID scam: EFCC accuses Briton’s lawyer of delay tactics

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, accused Paul Erokoro, SAN, counsel to James Nolan, a director in Process and Industrial Development Limited (P&ID), of deploying a delay tactic in the ongoing trial.

    EFCC lawyer, Bala Sanga, made the allegation before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.

    But Erokoro disagreed with Sanga, describing the allegation as “a blackmail.”

    At the resumed hearing, Sanga informed that the matter was slated for cross examination of the first prosecution witness (PW1), Temitope Erinomo, a Principal Compliant Officer in the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

    While the cross examination was going on, the anti-graft agency’s lawyer raised objection to some questions which Erokoro put to the PW1.

    Sanga, who interjected, called the attention of the court to the fact that Erokoro, who only appeared for Nolan (2nd defendant) cannot be representing Lurgi Consult Limited (1st defendant) in the trial.

    He said the questions put across to Erinomo indicated that he was representing the two defendants

    Sanga argued that though the company was not represented by any counsel, the senior lawyer cannot advocate for the firm.

    He alleged that Erokoro’s action was a ploy to delay proceedings in the matter just like a sister case before another judge which, he said, had lingered for about three years.

    Sanga told Justice Mohammed that three years after the sister case commenced, it was disheartening that they were still on the first prosecution witness..

    The Federal Government had sued Goidel Resources Limited, a Designated Non-Financial Institution (DNFI); ICIL Limited and Nolan as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively before Justice Okon Abang in 2019.

    However, the case was reassigned to Justice Donatus Okorowo around September 2021, following the transfer of Justice Abang to Warri division of FHC.

    Reacting to Sanga’s allegation of deploying a delay tactic, Erokoro disagreed with him.

    “My lord, I have one word for this; blackmail,” he said, describing the EFCC lawyer’s allegation as “a blackmail.”

    He said Sanga cannot arm-twist the court into believing his statement.

    Erokoro said that the sister case which Sanga mentioned involved 9.6 billion dollars with over 20, 000 pages of evidence exhibited and that he saw no reason the matter should not take three years in cross examining a witness.

    Justice Mohammed, who assured that the case before him would be dispensed with as quickly as possible, ruled that Erokoro should bear in mind that he only appeared for the 2nd defendant (Nolan).

    The judge adjourned the matter until June 1 for trial continuation.

    NAN

  • Hushpuppi: FG working on Abba Kyari’s extradition to US – Malami

    Hushpuppi: FG working on Abba Kyari’s extradition to US – Malami

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, on Monday, said the Federal Government may consider request to extradite the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Abba Kyari, to the United States of America, USA.

    Kyari is to face trial over his alleged $1m scam involvement with an internet fraudster, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, popularly known as Hussipuppi.

    Malami, who appeared as a guest in Channels Television’s night program, Politics Today, disclosed that “reasonable ground for suspicion” was established against DCP Kyari in the report of a police panel that investigated corruption allegations that were levelled against him by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.

    Though the AGF noted that the case has both national and international dimensions, he said the FG would not rule out the possibility of Kyari’s extradition to the US or his prosecution in Nigeria.

    “It is a work in progress, nationally and internationally”, he stated, adding “we will ensure that justice is done regardless of personalities involved”.

    He stressed since multiple jurisdictions are involved in the case, including the United Arab Emirates, US and Nigeria, it would require collaborations, with the country providing “the necessary support”.

    “What I am saying is that locally and internationally, all hands are on deck. Nigeria is indeed doing the needful by way of supporting what America is doing, for the purpose of ensuring that the cases are tried accordingly, within the context of American aspect of it. And eventually, if there is need for local prosecution, nothing will stop it”.

    Speaking further, Malami, said: “There could be a need for making request for extradition. Parties are discussing and collaborating, with exchange of correspondences for the extradition and associated issues”.

     

  • Six banking details never to disclose to anyone else

    Six banking details never to disclose to anyone else

    No doubt, more than any other time, cybercrime is on the increase in not just Nigeria, but across the globe.

    This has made it expedient to be very cautious when carrying out financial transactions online. One must be very careful in managing personal banking details.

    To be sure not to fall prey of cyber criminals, who are always on the lookout for their next victims, here are six banking details never to disclose to anyone else:

    PAN

    On the front face of your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card is a 16 digits code. This 16 digits code is known as Permanent Account Number (PAN). The first 6 digits are the Bank Identification Number and the rest 10 digits are a Unique Account Number of the card holder. With your PAN on the wrong hands along with other details on the ATM card, cyber criminals can clean your bank account.

    BVN

    BVN stands for Bank Verification Number. It is a biometric identification system implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb or reduce illegal banking transactions in Nigeria. Once a fraudster gets hold of your BVN, they have obtained almost full information on a potential victim. They now have access to your name as it appears on your bank account, your mother’s maiden name, date of birth and the phone number linked to your account number. With these details, cyber criminals can easily manipulate you to clean up your bank account. BVN scams have even gotten sophisticated with the aid of insiders in banks these days.

    PIN

    PIN is known as Personal Identification Number. It is a numeric passcode used in the process of authenticating a user accessing a system. Every ATM card comes with a PIN. Your ATM card and ATM card PIN in the hands of the wrong person, spells calamity.

    CVV

    CVV stands for Card Verification Value. It is usually printed on the back or front of ATM cards. This number is vital for completing online transactions and should never be shared with anyone. Scammers often send phishing emails to victims or call victims tricking them to reveal their ATM card details, including the CVV code and card expiry date. Fraudsters can conveniently wipe out money from your bank accounts by using the details to engage in online transactions.

    OTP

    OTP is known as One-Time Password. It is a temporary, secure PIN-code sent to you via SMS or e-mail that is valid only for one transaction. A common OTP scam involves the scammer calling an individual pretending to be from banks or other trusted organisations and requesting an OTP that is just sent to their phones. This is usually after initiating a transaction using the banking details of the potential victim. Once the fraudster gets this access to your account, a deduction occurs. It is usually the final stage before your account is debited.

    Password

    If you use a mobile banking app, there is the likelihood that the app is password protected. Mobile banking app users have been targeted by phishing scam messages which aim to trick them into giving up their login details. If your mobile banking app details get into the wrong hands, they can clean up your account.

    You are the first and best layer of defense in combating online fraud. Learning to properly detect and avoid online scams is the ultimate protection against fraud.

  • Viral Davido’s airtime, data giveaway promo is a scam – NCC warns

    Viral Davido’s airtime, data giveaway promo is a scam – NCC warns

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sounded a note of warning to telecom services consumers in the country that an airtime and data giveaway promo currently in circulation on social media in the name of David Adedeji Adeleke, widely known as Davido is a scam.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NCC sounded the note of warning in a statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s Director, Public Affairs to address the scam.

    Recall that Davido recently raised the sum of N250 million from himself, his friends and fans to mark his birthday. However, in a twist of events, the Nigerian-American music star, songwriter and producer announced that he would donate the money to various orphanage homes across Nigeria.

    Exploiting Davido’s benevolence, a group of scammers rolled out an advertorial titled “Davido Airtime and Data Giveaway”, which went viral, claiming that Davido is “giving out free 5K Airtime and 10GB Internet data of All Networks” to celebrate his birthday.

    In the advertorial, the general public was urged to hurry and get the gift by clicking on the links that supposedly redirect them to network sites, where they will be credited with airtime and data.

    “This is a scam,” the NCC stated, adding that “the adverts are what they are – social engineering rip-offs designed to get people’s MSISDN and other information that fraudsters can use later to defraud unsuspecting telecom consumers and members of the public”.

    TNG reports that in the statement the NCC warned telecom consumers to be cautious and not to let their guards down, stressing that if a promo or an offer seems too good to be true, then it is likely untrue.

    “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has discovered while undertaking online social listening that an ostensibly syndicated group is on the prowl to swindle unsuspecting members of the public, particularly millions of Nigerian telecom consumers, by capitalising on the generosity of David Adedeji Adeleke, widely known as Davido.

    The NCC wishes to advise our teeming telecom consumers to have nothing to do with the advert or any similar bogus enticements.

    “For clarity, the MSISDN is simply the full phone number of a cellphone, in addition to other protocol information. This number is unique and identifies subscribers/owners in a GSM or other mobile networks. Therefore, it suffices to state that any unscrupulous person or unethical hacker can use the number and attendant protocol to undermine the privacy of the real owners of the number through identity theft and other scams.

    “The NCC, therefore, reiterates its earlier warning to telecom consumers to be cautious and not to let their guards down. If a promo or an offer seems too good to be true, then it is likely untrue.

    “The Commission will not rest on its oars in empowering telecom consumers with the requisite information and education in order to protect them from cybercriminals determined to use the telecom platforms to perpetrate frauds,” the statement reads.

  • Ireti Doyle denies aiding arrest of victims of daughter’s alleged scam

    Ireti Doyle denies aiding arrest of victims of daughter’s alleged scam

    Popular actress, Ireti Doyle has debunked the accusation that she aided the arrest of the victims of her daughter’s alleged fraudulent activities.

    A civil rights movement, Concerned Nigerian, on Twitter, accused Iretiola Doyle of using Interpol to arrest the victims of her daughter’s alleged fraudulent activity.

    Reacting to the accusation on Twitter on Tuesday, the revered actress in a series of tweets demanded proof of her involvement in the act.

    “It’s been a little over two weeks since you made this assertion in the public space and I quote ‘we can now CONFIRM (caps mine) that Ms. Ireti Doyle is using Interpol to pick up victims of her daughter’s alleged fraudulent activities’.

    “And that, again I quote ‘stop using your connections to corrupt people to intimidate innocent people”. You rounded it up ominously with “you have us to contend with’. I haven’t heard back. Please shed mor light on your findings include the list of said corrupt people as well pls. Contrary to the news being circulated by the gutter press, the authorities are very interested in this case. Any evidence you can provide will help,” she tweeted.

    In another tweet, Ireti wrote, “Are you really really certain about everything you’re saying? If summoned to back up your claims will you be able to? I suggest you rest, take a seat and let things play out. Stop inserting yourself in issues you know very little about. Please.”

    TheNewsGuru recalls that back in October, Iretiola said she is in no way connected to her daughter’s company Kachi Beauty Products which has been accused of scamming customers of millions of naira.

    Ireti made the declaration in a disclaimer shared on Instagram after months of answering questions over her 34-year-old daughter Abimbola Onyeulo’s business dealings.

     

  • Flubot: How to avoid being bitten by a new bug in town

    Flubot: How to avoid being bitten by a new bug in town

    There is a new bug in town known as the Flubot Malware that you must avoid being bitten by because when it infects your device, it can result in incalculable financial losses.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Flubot targets Androids with fake security updates and app installations and its goal transcends stealing personal data and essentially targets stealing of credit card details or online banking credentials.

    This is according to information received from the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) and circulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Friday.

    Alerting millions of Nigerian telecom consumers of the existence of the new, high-risk and extremely-damaging Malware, the telecoms regulatory body itemized how to avoid being bitten by the bug.

    How you could be bitten by Flubot

    TNG reports a malware is a generic word used to describe a virus or software, designed specially to “disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.”

    The ngCERT affirmed that Flubot “impersonates Android mobile banking applications to draw fake web view on targeted applications” and its goal transcends stealing personal data and essentially targets stealing of credit card details or online banking credentials.

    FluBot is circulated through Short Message Service (SMS) and can snoop “on incoming notifications, initiate calls, read or write SMSes, and transmit the victim’s contact list to its control centre.”

    This malware attacks Android devices by pretending to be “FedEx, DHL, Correos, and Chrome applications” and compels unsuspecting users to alter the accessibility configurations on their devices in order to maintain continuous presence on devices.

    The new malware undermines the security of devices by copying fake login screens of prominent banks, and the moment the users enter their login details on the fake pages, their data is harvested and transmitted to the malware operators’ control point from where the data is exploited by intercepting banking-related One Time Passwords (OTPs) and replacing the default SMS app on the targeted Android device.

    Consequently, it secures admittance into the device through SMS and proceeds to transmit similar messages to other contacts that may be on the device it has attacked enticing them into downloading the fake app.

    It suffices to say that, when Flubot infects a device, it can result in incalculable financial losses. Additionally, the malware creates a backdoor which grants access to the user’s device, thus enabling the invader or attacker to perform other criminal actions, including launching other variants of malware.

    How to protect yourself against Flubot

    In view of this discovery and understanding of the process by which this malware operates, and in order to protect millions of telecom consumers and prevent criminal forces, irrespective of location, from using telecom platforms to perpetrate fraud and irredeemable damages, the NCC has reiterated the advisory of ngCERT as follows:

    1. Do not click on the link if you receive a suspicious text message, and do not install any app or security update the page asks you to install.
    2. Use updated antivirus software that detects and prevents malware infections.
    3. Apply critical patches to the system and application.
    4. Use strong passwords and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) over logins.
    5. Back-up your data regularly.
    6. If you have been affected by this campaign, you should reset your device to factory mode as soon as possible. This will delete any data on your phone, including personal data.
    7. Do not restore from backups created after installing the app. You may contact ngCERT on *incident@cert.gov.ng* for technical assistance.
    8. You will also need to change the passwords to all of your online accounts, with urgency, around your online bank accounts.
    9. If you have concerns that your accounts may have been accessed by unauthorised people, contact your bank immediately.

    Meanwhile, the NCC has restated its commitment to empowering consumers through useful information and education to protect them from falling victims of all kinds of cyber-attack while online.

    “As the Commission intensifies efforts in ensuring increased broadband access, enabling telecoms consumers to carry out their legitimate activities more efficiently and effectively online, it also restates its commitment to empowering consumers through useful information and education to protect them from falling victims of all kinds of cyber-attack while online.

    “This explains the rationale for the launch of telecom sector’s Centre for Computer Security Incident Response by NCC on 30th September, 2021,” a statement by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde read.