A message circulating online claims that over 960,000 students in Nigeria will receive free laptops under a “Students Laptop Scheme 2025.” The message invites students who cannot afford laptops to apply via a link: https://hd.ke/Students-FREE-LAPTOP. It further alleges that applications have begun and some students have already received laptops. Upon investigation, this claim is false and part of a phishing scheme designed to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Red Flags Identified Unverified Source: The website URL provided is not linked to any official Nigerian government agency or credible educational institution. Genuine government schemes in Nigeria typically use domains ending in .gov.ng, or…
Author: linkguard
This link, https://afatm.org/, has been circulating online, promising users easy rewards and points for completing simple tasks. At first glance, it may seem like a harmless online opportunity, but a deeper analysis reveals signs of a hacking scheme. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process, how scammers craft it to entrap users, and what makes it suspicious. 1. Homepage with Enticing Promises When you click the link, it directs you to the homepage. The homepage is designed to be flashy and persuasive, offering promises of quick rewards with you earning just by clicking a button What’s wrong: These promises…
Phishing scams are a prevalent form of cyberattack that exploit unsuspecting users by mimicking trusted organizations. A suspicious link, https://lnkshk.com/Unicef-ref.portal which also appears as https://unicef-jobs.get-paid.online/, claims to represent UNICEF but displays several red flags. We will analyse the steps presented when the link is clicked, to reveal its true nature and confirm if it is a phishing attempt. Step-by-Step Analysis: Welcome Message Page: A legitimate UNICEF page would use a verified URL (e.g., unicef.org or a subdomain).The link provided, https://lnkshk.com/Unicef-ref.portal, does not match UNICEF’s official domain, which is already a red flag. Application Form: Once clicked, the user is directed…
In today’s interconnected world, children are increasingly exposed to the vast landscape of the internet from a young age. While the digital realm offers boundless opportunities for learning, creativity, and social interaction, it also harbors numerous risks that can pose threats to children’s safety and well-being. From cyberbullying and online predators to exposure to inappropriate content, the online world presents challenges that parents and caregivers must navigate to ensure their children’s safety. In the face of these challenges, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a promising solution to protect our children and foster a safer online environment.…
This article demonstrated a straightforward method for checking the phone numbers linked to your National Identification Number (NIN). This process is crucial for ensuring your personal information is secure and preventing unauthorized access to your NIN. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Dial the USSD Code Using any mobile phone with an active Nigerian SIM card, open your phone’s dialer and dial the following code: *996# Step 2: Select “View NIN Status” After dialing the code, a menu will appear on your screen. Look for the option labeled “View NIN Status” (usually option 4) and select it. Step 3: Choose…
In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has been transforming economies and societies worldwide. Among these technological advancements, disruptive innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), have emerged as pivotal forces shaping various sectors, including healthcare, finance, education, and agriculture. In Nigeria, a nation rich in diversity and potential, the impact of these innovations is both profound and multifaceted. The progress made in AI and disruptive innovations in Nigeria presents opportunities that can lead to significant development, but also challenges that must be addressed to fully harness their potential. Disruptive innovations are technologies or processes that significantly alter traditional ways…
A deceptive website, hupcct.com.ng, is currently circulating false claims, luring unsuspecting Nigerians with promises of a ₦450,000 palliative under the guise of the Household Uplifting Programme Conditional Cash Transfer (HUP-CCT). This phishing scam, which falsely associates itself with the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank and the Nigerian government, has raised significant concerns about the safety of personal information and financial exploitation. The Scam Message The fraudulent message reads: “Dear Household Beneficiary, accept Your ₦450,000 Naira NIRSAL Microfinance Bank Palliative for December NCTO Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) at https://hupcct.com.ng” Recipients are then directed to visit hupcct.com.ng, where they are instructed to fill out…
Phishing emails are among the most common tools used by cybercriminals to steal personal information, spread malware, or trick victims into fraudulent activities. These emails often masquerade as legitimate communications, preying on the unsuspecting. Recently, LinkGuard analyzed a suspicious email to reveal how such scams operate and the key red flags that can help individuals stay safe. The Suspicious Email On December 17, 2024, an email with the subject line “RE: Documents” landed in a recipient’s inbox. At first glance, it appeared like an important follow-up message, but a closer inspection revealed its malicious intent. Here’s a breakdown of the…