The internet has revolutionised how we communicate, shop, and work. But while it boasts so many exciting benefits, it has also become a hunting ground for scammers.

Online fraud is rising, with cybercriminals using sophisticated tactics to deceive unsuspecting users.

Protecting yourself from scams requires awareness, vigilance, and a few practical precautions.

Here are some essential tips to help you avoid falling into the trap of online scammers.

1. Be Cautious with Personal Information

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We’ve seen the script before – where scammers pose as legitimate companies or individuals to trick unsuspecting individuals.

Their main goal is often to trick you into revealing personal details like passwords and banking information.

Revealing any of these can get you in trouble, so you must always verify the authenticity of a website or contact before sharing any sensitive data.

Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages, as they may lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information.

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2. Verify the Legitimacy of Websites

Before making any online purchases or entering your details on a website, check its authenticity. Look for ” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.

Be wary of websites that have misspelt domain names or appear poorly designed, as these could be fake.

3. Recognise Common Scams

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Online scams come in many forms, including fake job offers, lottery winnings, romance scams, and investment fraud.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Research any company or person offering suspicious deals before engaging with them.

4. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

A strong password is your first line of defence against cybercriminals. Use unique, complex passwords for each online account and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This extra security step can prevent unauthorised access even if your password is compromised.

5. Stay Informed and Educate Others

Cybercriminals continuously evolve their tactics, so staying informed about the latest scams is crucial. Follow cybersecurity news and educate family members, especially older adults, who are often targeted. The more people know about online scams, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.

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Have you been scammed online before? We’d like to hear your story to know how we can help others from falling into the same trap.

Okay, here’s the truth – the Nigerian job market is currently overpopulated, with many qualified graduates jostling to fill the little available employment opportunities.

Of course, only a tiny percentage of job seekers eventually land their dream jobs every year. But you could be among this tiny percentage.

All you need to do is to make yourself indispensable to employers. Don’t worry, I’ve worked in the human resource sector for so long that I now understand the Nigerian employment market.

With my experience, I can teach you how to set yourself apart in the employment market, so employers will have no other option than to employ you. Let’s just dive straight into useful tips that work all the time.

Be an expert in your chosen field

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You probably already know by now that the Nigerian labour market is so competitive. This means hundreds of qualified people could apply for the same role you’re applying to.

To make it worse, some are even ready to work for less pay, making them cheap labour for the company. But here’s the solution – you have to make yourself an indispensable asset.

There’s no better way to do this than upgrading yourself. The more you set yourself aside in skills and experience, the more companies won’t want to let you go.

Being good is not enough to get you noticed these days, you must be excellent. Trust me, employers know what you bring to the table and if you bring enough, they’ll surely hire you.

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Acquire real-world experience

We know, telling you to acquire real world experience is telling you to look for the already scarce jobs. But there are ways to go about this.

ALSO READ: 5 ways to get a good job placement during your NYSC

There are many volunteer and intern opportunities in small firms and NGOs. And since these roles do not attract adequate compensation, people shy away from them, making it easy to land them.

You can always leverage such opportunities to build your professional experience. Intern for one or two years before applying to your dream job. You’d be surprised by how far this small experience will go in opening doors for you.

Polish your professional presentation: craft an outstanding resume/LinkedIn profile

Most times, your résumé and LinkedIn profile serves as your first impression. And since you don’t want your employer having a wrong impression about you, you must tailor your résumé to fit the job you’re applying for.

Emphasise your relevant skills and accomplishments so the employer can see what you’re bringing to the organisation. Don’t shy off from showing off your professional journey.

Most organisations will prioritize employing people who don’t need serious onboarding, so they’ll check your journey so far.

Develop your negotiating skills

Here’s one point that people don’t talk about enough. Remember, products must be advertised, marketed before they get sold out. Well, consider your skill as the product in this case. You must sell your skill and need some negotiation ability to do it properly.

You should be able to negotiate your wages, because all the points above already make you a priceless asset. No employer would offer you a favourable wage unless you ask for it.

So if you’re sure you’ve made yourself indispensable, demand a wage that’s commensurate with what you bring to the company. Trust me, they’ll pay.

Now’s the time to take your chance. Master the tips above to put yourself in a strong position for opportunities that will come your way.

Some places on this planet look like they were designed by the gods themselves. You know the kind where mountains kiss the sky, oceans shimmer like diamonds, and every sunset looks like a painting straight out of an art gallery. 

Some countries are so breathtaking that a single visit is enough to make you rethink your entire life. 

If you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling through Instagram travel pages, daydreaming about sipping coffee in a Parisian café, hiking through New Zealand’s mountains, or dipping your toes in the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters, then this list is for you. 

We’re counting down the top 10 most beautiful countries in the world, places where nature and culture blend so perfectly, you’ll want to pack your bags immediately.

1. Switzerland

If perfection had a country, it would be Switzerland. From its snow-capped Alps to its fairytale villages, Switzerland looks like something straight out of a travel magazine. You can ski in Zermatt, take a scenic train ride through the mountains, or enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Geneva, every corner of Switzerland screams breathtaking.

Best time to visit? Winter for skiing, summer for the best mountain views.

2. Italy

Italy is that country that makes you fall in love with life. One minute you’re exploring ancient ruins in Rome, the next you’re sipping wine in Tuscany, then suddenly you’re on a gondola ride in Venice. And let’s not even start on the Amalfi Coast, it’s so stunning, it looks unreal. Oh, and the food? Mama mia!

Spring and autumn is the best time to visit for fewer crowds and perfect weather.

ALSO READ: Top 10 countries to add to your travel list in 2025

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3. New Zealand

New Zealand is where Mother Nature flexed hard. You’ve got massive fjords, pristine beaches, volcanoes, rolling green hills, and glowworm caves. Whether you’re hiking in Queenstown, bungee jumping in Rotorua, or just staring at the scenery, New Zealand is pure magic.

4. Japan

Japan is that one country where ancient temples and cherry blossoms exist right next to neon-lit skyscrapers and robot cafés. Whether you’re soaking in an onsen (hot spring) in Hakone, exploring Kyoto’s bamboo forests, or walking through Tokyo’s futuristic streets, Japan feels like a dream. And yes, sushi tastes way better when eaten in Japan.

5. Canada

Canada is massive, and so is its beauty. Picture this: turquoise lakes, endless forests, snowy peaks, and wildlife straight out of a National Geographic documentary. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Banff, whale-watching in British Columbia, or seeing the Northern Lights in Yukon, Canada is a nature lover’s paradise.

6. Greece

Greece is where ancient history meets picture-perfect islands. The beaches are golden, the waters are bluer than the sky, and the whitewashed buildings in Santorini glow like pearls. Add in the history of Athens, the stunning cliffs of Meteora, and the charm of Mykonos, and you’ve got yourself a destination that belongs on every travel bucket list.

ALSO READ: 7 cheapest countries Nigerians can relocate to

7. Iceland

Iceland is what happens when the earth decides to show off. Here, you’ll find volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, and black sand beaches that look like another planet. And if you visit in winter, you might just catch the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. It’s like magic, but real.

The best time to visit is the summer for the midnight sun, and winter for the Northern Lights.

8. Australia

Australia is a land of contrasts; golden beaches, wild rainforests, vast deserts, and the world’s cutest animals (hello, koalas!). You can snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, road trip along the Great Ocean Road, or explore the rugged beauty of the Outback. Every part of Australia feels like an adventure waiting to happen.

9. Norway

Norway looks like something out of a fairytale. Imagine deep blue fjords cutting through towering mountains, tiny wooden villages resting on hillsides, and the Northern Lights turning the sky into a light show. Whether you’re hiking in Lofoten, cruising through the fjords, or road-tripping along the Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway is pure magic.

10. Maldives

If heaven had an address, it would probably be in the Maldives. This place is the definition of luxury, overwater bungalows, white sandy beaches, and water so clear you can see your toes even without goggles. Whether you’re diving with manta rays or just relaxing on the beach, the Maldives is where dreams come true.

So, where’s your next adventure? Which country is calling your name?

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