Every day, so many of us in Lagos and beyond jump online—whether for work, school, shopping, or just keeping in touch. Yet, with the convenience comes the headache of scams, phishing, and all manner of fraud that can wreck your finances and peace of mind. As someone who’s seen friends and family fall victim to shakedowns via WhatsApp, fake websites, or bogus mobile money requests, I want to share some practical steps we can all take to guard ourselves better.

Why Nigerian Digital Spaces Are a Hotspot for Scams

First, let’s be real: scammers know we depend heavily on our phones and internet connections. They exploit our trust, sometimes our lack of tech savvy, and often our eagerness to respond quickly—especially when urgent messages arrive.

For instance, think about the kind of messages you or your neighbor get. “Your account has been locked, click this link to unlock,” or “You’ve won a lottery prize, send your bank details.” Sometimes scams come disguised as job offers, fake Covid-19 relief funds, or even from “family members” needing urgent help. Even WhatsApp "Blue Tick" verification messages can be fake!

So, what can we do to reduce the risk?

1. Verify Before You Click or Share Any Info

• Don’t trust links or attachments from unknown contacts. If you get a random link, even from a known number but the message content looks off, take time to verify. Google the message, search for official sources, or ask the sender if the message was really from them.
• Check official channels. For banks, mobile money services, or government agencies, always visit their official website or call their known customer service number directly to confirm any alerts or offers.

2. Be Cautious on Social Media and Messaging Platforms

• Limit who can see your personal details online. Fancy birthday shoutouts or selfies are nice, but oversharing can give scammers data to pretend to be you or learn your habits.
• Use privacy settings. On Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram—set your profiles to friends only or private, and be wary of accepting strange friend requests.

3. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Step Verification

It’s tempting to use simple passwords like “123456” or “password” (I know we’ve all been guilty), but that’s like putting a sign on your door saying “Welcome.” Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Better yet, use passphrases that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

Most platforms now offer two-factor authentication (2FA). It adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email when logging in. Activate it wherever possible—especially for banking apps and email.

4. Beware of Public Wi-Fi and Use VPNs if You Can

Public Wi-Fi in cafes, bus stops, or malls may seem free and convenient, but these networks are often not secure. Scammers can intercept data sent over such networks.

If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into banking or sensitive accounts. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)—even a cheap or free one—can help encrypt your data and keep snoopers away.

5. Regularly Update Your Devices and Apps

Updates might seem annoying, but they often fix security holes that scammers exploit. For example, your phone’s software patch might close a glitch that could allow malware to steal your information. Keep your apps and operating systems updated.

6. Educate Family and Friends, Especially Those Less Tech-Savvy

Think about your parents, uncles, aunties, or younger siblings who might not be as familiar with how these scams work. Share simple tips with them:

• Don’t accept calls or messages demanding immediate payment.
• Never share OTPs or passwords, even if the person claims to be from a bank.
• Block and report suspicious numbers on WhatsApp and similar platforms.

Real Nigerian Stories to Learn From

A cousin of mine recently almost fell prey to a "Naira Lottery" scam. The scammer sounded convincing, even used official-sounding language, but my cousin noticed a weird phone number and suspicious link. Instead of sending money, he asked an elder for advice and together they confirmed the scam by finding multiple complaints about the same number online.

Another story is about my neighbor whose Facebook was hacked through a weak password. The hacker sent money requests to everyone on her friends list. She quickly informed friends, changed passwords, and restored control by contacting Facebook support. Lessons learned?

Final Thoughts: Staying Alert Is Our Best Defence

Scams will keep evolving, but so must we. Being skeptical, curious, and patient before reacting to messages or requests online can save us a lot of grief. Let's share these practices in our communities and workplaces. After all, one less victim means one less opportunity for scammers to thrive.

What scams have you seen recently that seem to be targeting people around you? How do you personally verify if a message or offer online is legit? Have you adopted any tools or habits that have really helped you stay safe?