Experts Advocate Law Enforcement For  Internet Fraud Control

Experts in Technology and Innovation have said Nigeria need stronger enforcement and improved capacity within law enforcement to deal with internet fraud.
Making the assertion in a chat with The Tide’s source in Abuja recently, one of the experts, Mr Jide Awe, a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Advisor and Founder, Jidaw.com, said  this would help in addressing the challenge in the sector.
Awe said prosecuting criminals and recovering stolen money would assist sending the right message.
He said there was a corresponding need to raise public awareness about the risks of internet fraud and take steps to bolster cyber security and secure data as digital adoption grows.
“Many people still fall victim to internet scams because they are simply not aware of the risks of internet fraud. The poor level of public awareness is another factor.
“As digital adoption grows, there is a corresponding need to raise public awareness about the risks of internet fraud and to take steps to bolster cyber security and secure data”, he said.
He  noted that tough economic conditions can be a contributing factor to internet fraud, and added  that when people struggle to make ends meet, they become more vulnerable to scams that promise easy money.
“Increased internet access stands out as a major contributory factor to internet fraud.The dramatic rise in the number of people with internet access has consequently led to an increase in potential victims for internet fraudsters”, he said.
Also,  Tinuola Popoola, a System Analyst and Cyber Safety Advocate, said internet fraud was on the rise due to unfavorable economic policies not encouraging the growth of small businesses.
“Poor economic state of the country, high rate of poverty among citizens, unemployment, lack of financial education and money management knowledge for youth can cause fraud.Greed and peer pressure effect (wanting to be like their mates) can also contribute to internet fraud among others”, she said.