Ways to detect fake govt websites, avoid fraud
The proliferation of fake government websites in Nigeria is a growing concern. With fraudsters exploiting public trust in digital financial aid programmes, staying vigilant is now more crucial than ever, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes.
Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in their schemes, shifting their focus from high-volume scams to more targeted, high-value fraud.
According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, while reported fraud cases in 2023 declined by six percent compared to the previous year, total financial losses surged by 23 per cent, reaching N17.67bn.
This suggests that scammers are refining their tactics, making their schemes more convincing and difficult to detect.
One such scheme involves fake government websites, which exploit public trust in official institutions. In the latest case, the National Information Technology Development Agency flagged two fraudulent platforms—nctocct.com and huppcct.com.ng—posing as the National Cash Transfer Office.
These sites were used to deceive individuals into providing sensitive personal information under the pretence of government financial assistance.
Despite a four percent decline in the number of victims, with 80,658 unique customers falling prey to fraud in 2023 compared to 84,130 in 2022, the increased financial losses highlight a worrying trend—scammers are getting better at what they do. Nigerians must remain vigilant to avoid becoming the next victim.
This article explains how fraudulent government websites operate, highlights the latest scam involving the National Cash Transfer Programme, and provides essential tips to protect yourself from online fraud.
Fake government websites
Fraudsters often create websites that closely resemble official government platforms, using logos, colours, and language designed to appear legitimate.
These fake sites are promoted through SMS messages, social media, and even word-of-mouth, tricking people into providing sensitive information or making payments for non-existent benefits.
In the latest case, NITDA identified two fraudulent websites, “nctocct.com” and “huppcct.com.ng,” which falsely claim to be affiliated with the National Cash Transfer Programme.
These sites were being used to collect personal data and mislead individuals into believing they were eligible for financial assistance.
“The official website of the National Cash Transfer Office remains https://ncto.gov.ng.””. Any other website claiming to represent the agency is a scam and should be avoided,” NITDA stated in a public warning.
NITDA warned citizens to remain vigilant and only rely on official government websites for information. By learning how to identify fake websites and following security best practices, Nigerians can protect themselves from falling victim to online fraud.
Cash transfer scam
The warning from NITDA follows the recent disbursement of N24.78bn under the National Cash Transfer Programme to 991,261 poor households across Nigeria.
The initiative, managed by the National Social Investment Programme Agency, is part of the Federal Government’s poverty alleviation efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
With such large sums being distributed, scammers see an opportunity to exploit citizens who may not be fully aware of the official process.
Fake websites like those flagged by NITDA trick people into believing they must register online to receive payments, often asking them to provide their Bank Verification Number, National Identification Number, or even make small payments as a “processing fee.
Unfortunately, once victims provide these details, fraudsters can steal their identities, withdraw funds from their bank accounts, or sell their information on the black market.
Suspicious website addresses
Legitimate government websites in Nigeria usually end in .gov.ng (e.g., **https://ncto.gov.ng). Fraudulent sites often use variations that look similar but are slightly different, such as .com, .org, .ng, or .net. If a website claiming to be a government platform does not have gov.ng, it is likely a scam.
Poor website design
Fake websites often have low-quality designs, broken links, or numerous spelling and grammatical errors. Official government websites are professionally maintained and have consistent branding.
Requests for personal information
Government programmes do not ask for sensitive personal details like BVN, NIN, or bank passwords through public registration portals. If a site demands this information upfront, it is fraudulent.
Upfront payment requests
Scammers often ask for small registration or processing fees to “facilitate” access to government benefits. Official government programmes do not require such payments.
Unverified social media promotions
Fraudulent sites are often spread through random social media pages or WhatsApp messages. Always check for official announcements on government-verified social media accounts and websites.
Outrageous offers
Scammers lure victims with exaggerated claims of fast-tracked payments or additional financial incentives. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Protecting yourself
Now that you know how to identify fraudulent websites, here are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
Always check government websites, ministries, or agency social media pages before engaging with any online platform. If you receive a suspicious link, compare it to the official .gov.ng site.
Avoid clicking on links sent through SMS, WhatsApp, or social media unless they come from an official and trusted source. Many scam websites contain malware designed to steal your data.
Government agencies will never ask for your BVN, NIN, or bank login details to process cash transfers or other benefits. If a website requests such information, it is a scam.
If you come across a fraudulent website, report it to authorities. NITDA urges Nigerians to report suspicious platforms so they can take action and prevent further fraud.
Many victims of online scams are not tech-savvy individuals. Educate your family members, especially older relatives, about these scams to prevent them from falling victim.
