The Editor of Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation (ANPC), Umuahia, publishers of National Ambassador newspapers and magazines, Deacon Chukwuemeka Egejuru, ANIPR, has urged Nigerians to embrace media literacy as a critical tool for combating financial fraud and protecting themselves against the growing menace of digital scams.
Speaking as a cybersecurity expert during a lecture titled “Media, Public Vigilance and Retirement Security” at a sensitisation programme organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Financial Inclusion Community Development Service (CDS) Group in Umuahia, Egejuru stressed that the ability to critically assess, verify and interpret information has become essential in preventing financial losses in the digital age.
The ANPC editor and communication strategist commended the President of the Financial Inclusion CDS Group, Adegbola Odunayo Isaac, for organising the public awareness initiative. He explained that financial literacy extends beyond owning bank accounts or using digital payment platforms, noting that it also involves understanding how to earn, save, invest, protect and grow wealth responsibly.
Describing the programme, themed “Building a Financially Resilient Community,” as timely, Egejuru observed that fraudsters now deploy increasingly sophisticated tactics, including fake investment platforms, phishing links, cloned social media accounts and deceptive phone calls to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
He advised Nigerians to verify information before believing or sharing it, particularly financial messages, grant announcements and investment opportunities circulated online.
According to him, such information should always be confirmed through official channels and credible media organisations. He also urged members of the public to report suspicious financial activities to their banks, law enforcement agencies and relevant anti-graft institutions.
“Every naira you protect from fraud is money earned. Every naira you save today is an investment in your future. Financial resilience begins with informed decisions,” he said.
Egejuru warned Nigerians to be wary of common scams, including advance fee fraud (419), fake bank alerts, fraudulent loan offers, fake charity appeals, ATM card swapping, QR code manipulation and one-time password (OTP) theft.
Citing the collapse of MBA Forex, CBEX Cryptocurrency and the NRC Read-and-Earn platform, he cautioned against investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns, demand upfront payments or rely on recruiting new participants to sustain payouts.
He also advised Nigerians never to disclose sensitive banking information such as PINs, passwords, OTPs, Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and National Identification Numbers (NINs), noting that genuine financial institutions do not request such details through telephone calls, SMS messages or social media platforms.
On retirement planning, Egejuru encouraged Nigerians to begin preparing from their first source of income by cultivating a savings culture, making prudent investments, maintaining emergency funds, monitoring their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) and participating in credible cooperative societies.
He emphasised that retirement security is important for everyone, including civil servants, farmers, traders, artisans, entrepreneurs, professionals and students.
The media practitioner further advised prospective investors to verify investment opportunities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) before committing funds. He also reminded Nigerians that genuine government grants do not require applicants to make any payment before approval.
According to him, financial resilience is built on informed decisions rather than the size of one’s income.
In her vote of thanks, the Vice President of the Financial Inclusion CDS Group, Sule Sadiat Sani, commended Egejuru for his insightful lecture and valuable contribution to the success of the community sensitisation programme.
She also appreciated his commitment to promoting media literacy and building a financially resilient society, while praying that Almighty God would continue to bless and strengthen him for his positive impact on the community.
(The Sun)