The National Information Technology Development Agency has raised the alarm over an online data collection form that is being used to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

A statement released by the agency’s Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Hadiza Umar, said fraudsters were asking members of the public to submit their personal data in order to register for government palliative schemes.

It stated, “The National Information Technology Development Agency wishes to draw the attention of the general public to yet another fraudulent online data collection form that is capitalising on the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

“The information being circulated, which has now gone viral on various social media platforms, requests users to provide their personal data such as phone number, email address and bank details.

“This, the information indicates, is for the users to access various government palliatives aimed at cushioning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

It also stated, “This site is a fraudulent site and Nigerians are advised to be wary of such online requests. Governments at all levels have established channels of collecting information for the purpose of disbursing palliatives.”

The statement observed that cybercrime had increased during the lockdown period.

“It is clear that due to the lockdown and ‘Stay-at-home’ directive being observed globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of the cybercriminals are on the increase,” the statement said.

NITDA added that it was doing everything possible to shut down all identified fraudulent online platforms and sanction those behind them.

The statement further advised that, as a general precautionary measure, Internet users should not give out their personal information to any unverified data collection platform.

The agency warned against clicking unknown links, and advised members of the public to disregard offers requesting their bank details.

NITDA also urged Internet users not to share any unverified information via social media platforms.

In the same vein, the agency called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Federal Government in its efforts at containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

“We are all encouraged to strictly adhere to recommendations given by health experts and follow updates from relevant agencies handling this outbreak, especially the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control,” it stated.