Over 2000 traders, artisans and other informal sector workers across Lagos State have been sensitized and are ready to combat the activities of online scammers through the Digital Safety campaign of NerdzFactory Foundation. NerdzFactory Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works with multiple stakeholders and citizens across society to improve access to quality education & skills, decent jobs, economic empowerment, gender equality, climate change awareness and sustainability, through the sponsorship of Nigeria’s financial giant, Access Bank, to protect the personal and delicate information of traders and artisans.
The campaign was held across five different communities in Lagos including Ikorodu, Ikeja, Ikotun, Apapa and Lekki with emphasis on the important things artisan and informal sector workers should know about digital safety and how to protect themselves and information online.
With the rise in the use of technology comes to the increase in fraudulent activities online, therefore there is a huge risk of fraud and the need for digital safety. The goal of this campaign is to spread awareness about cyber-security; how to protect passwords, bank and personal information, and identifying fraudulent activities, as well as fake information.
Speaking at the closing event in Olodi Apapa on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, The Director of NerdzFactory Foundation, Ade’ Olowojoba admonished the traders and artisans not to entertain phone calls asking for details of their debit card and password, as these are personal.
“We all are familiar with the stories of people who have lost their savings to fraudsters who disguise themselves as bank representatives. Don’t be a victim. Do not entertain any telephone conversation requesting for your debit card max pan, CVV, or pin. Also, do not share your password to any platform with anyone. Passwords are for you alone and no one should request it”
Thelma Eweama, Programs Manager, NerdzFactory Foundation advised on how traders and artisans can protect their personal information and prevent identity theft.
“One of the major ways to protect your personal information is not to submit or enter your details on an unverified website or application. Be careful of the links you click on through different social media platforms’’.
The campaign was held through the support of Access Bank, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) and the NerdzFactory Foundation volunteers and team members.
