NITDA Alerts Nigerians to Imposter Recovery Scheme
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a strong warning against an online investment platform called CPM, which is falsely claiming agency involvement in fund recovery efforts. Victims are being told that NITDA is assisting with the recovery process and requesting additional payments.
The Scam Explained
According to NITDA, the perpetrators of this scheme:
- Claim affiliation with or direct support from NITDA for recovery operations
- Demand payments purportedly to facilitate the recovery process
- Mislead users into believing their investments can be recovered through NITDA
NITDA has emphatically denied any involvement in these activities, stating that it does not collect fees from citizens, provide incident response services for private platforms, or assist companies in recovering funds.
Why This Matters
This scam exploits the vulnerability of individuals who have lost money on investment platforms. By impersonating a government agency and offering false hope of recovery, scammers pressure victims into sending more money – only to disappear with both sets of payments.
NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi cautioned Nigerians to be especially wary of online investment schemes that promise high returns but lack transparency or regulatory oversight. The agency emphasized that any request for payment in exchange for government assistance is fraudulent.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify all claims of government involvement through official channels (website, social media)
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers or promises of recovery from investment losses
- Never share personal or financial information with unverified entities
- Report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities