The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken steps to reduce the rampant cases of cyber crime, internet fraud and other electronic frauds across the country, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta has said.
Danbatta said the Commission is also mopping up unregistered and improperly registered SIM cards across the country in a bid to reduce crimes such as kidnapping in parts of the country.
The NCC boss, who lamented rising documented cases of cyber crime and electronic fraud using telecommunications platforms, tasked all communication subscribers in the country to be rest assured that the Commission will do everything possible to address the challenge and bring it down.
Addressing the NCC Special Day at the 40th Kaduna International Trade Fair at the Trade Fair Complex along Kaduna – Zaria road on Thursday, Danbatta, who was represented by the NCC Head of Internal Policy Review Unit, Mr Okechukwu Aninweke, said NCC has found a solution to unsolicited text messages from networks providers, adding that customers can also through toll free line 622 call NCC to lodge complains.
“Another challenge on the Commission’s front burner is the rising documented cases of cyber crime and e-fraud using telecommunications platforms. Cyber crime consist of illegal activities conducted on a computer or mobile device connected to the internet.
“The Commission advices all our customers not to open email that is unfamiliar and also note that banks will not request personal information over the internet. In the event that this unfortunate circumstances should take place call your bank immediately to freeze the affected account. Secondly report to your service provider for further action to be taken in retrieving your number.
“One of these challenges is unsolicited text messages. We have evolved a solution called Do-Not-Disturb, DND, in which consumers are being adviced to send ‘STOP’ to a code ‘2442’ to stop all unsolicited text messages. There are also options that will enable you to stop particular types of messages when you send ‘Help to 2442’. We are again urging you to take advantage of this code.
“We also urged our consumers about the availability of toll free telephone number 622 with which consumers can lodge complaints to the commission if their service providers refuse, or are unable to resolve such complaints when reported to them.”
