Guidelines to Avoid Falling Victim to Cyber-Lover Scams

Experts urge individuals to be cautious about forming relationships with those met on social media. They recommend thorough background checks and meeting in public spaces to prevent scams. Notably, women are identified as particularly vulnerable, and precautionary measures such as sharing location data and verifying identities through social media are advised.

Cybersecurity experts caution against forming close relationships with individuals encountered on social media without thorough verification. This is vital to avoid potential dangers associated with such interactions. They emphasized the importance of utilizing both digital tools and physical meetings to confirm a person’s background before proceeding to more intimate engagements.

The reliance on the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015 is essential in creating a safer online environment for users in Nigeria. This legislation offers a comprehensive framework for detecting and prosecuting cybercrimes.

Oluwatoyin Dada, a specialist in internet security, emphasized that women are particularly susceptible to scams involving online relationships. He recommends verifying the authenticity of individuals through various means, such as confirming their phone numbers and sharing personal details in group chats. Additionally, he advised users to enable location sharing for safety when meeting new acquaintances.

Eniola Ebuka, a social media enthusiast, advised against traveling long distances for meet-ups and suggested avoiding staying overnight with newfound friends. Ebuka cautioned that if someone requests personal information too soon or exhibits intense desires to meet, it is a warning sign. Conducting searches on social media accounts can further unveil potential fakes, as can using image searches to correlate photographs with associated names.

Abass Yaro, a former police officer, recommended organizing meetings in public, well-populated places such as coffee shops or parks to ensure safety. He highlighted the importance of maintaining control over personal belongings during these encounters. Yaro advised against private meetings in secluded locations until trust has been established over time, therefore safeguarding one’s well-being.

In summary, individuals should exercise caution when engaging with potential cyber-lovers online. By verifying identities, maintaining privacy, and arranging meetings in public spaces, they can significantly reduce the risks associated with online interactions. Awareness and vigilance can help forge safer connections in the digital landscape.

Original Source: nannews.ng