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 their personal details, including sensitive information, to claim the alleged palliative. To complete the process, victims are required to pay a ₦3,000 “processing fee”, which is the scam’s primary goal.
The Truth: How This Scam Works
Upon investigation by LinkGuard, a platform dedicated to combating phishing and online fraud, it became evident that the website hupcct.com.ng is not affiliated with the Nigerian government or any legitimate agency. Here are the facts:
- Official Website for HUP-CCT:
The authentic platform for the Household Uplifting Programme Conditional Cash Transfer (HUP-CCT) is www.ncto.gov.ng.- Key Difference: The official website uses a .gov.ng domain, signifying its governmental affiliation.
- Fraudulent sites like hupcct.com.ng use a .com.ng domain, which is accessible to private individuals and organizations, making it easier for scammers to create fake platforms.
- Government Policy on Palliatives:
Government programs, such as the Conditional Cash Transfer, do not require beneficiaries to pay any fees to access their funds. The demand for a ₦3,000 processing fee is a clear red flag and a hallmark of phishing schemes. - Data Theft and Financial Exploitation:
- Victims who provide their personal information risk having their identities stolen and misused.
- The ₦3,000 payment is a direct financial loss, with no actual palliative disbursed.
How to Identify Fraudulent Websites
- Domain Name: Legitimate Nigerian government websites always end with .gov.ng.
- Requests for Payment: Government programs do not require payments to access benefits.
- Communication Channels: Verify official announcements through trusted government platforms or reputable news sources.
What Should You Do?
If you receive such a message:
- Do Not Click the Link: Avoid visiting the website or sharing the link with others.
- Report the Scam: Notify relevant authorities, such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
- Educate Others: Share this information to prevent others from falling victim.
Conclusion
Scams like hupcct.com.ng exploit public trust and desperation, especially during challenging economic times. By staying vigilant, verifying information, and reporting fraudulent activities, Nigerians can protect themselves and their communities from online fraud.
