# How to Buy Data and Airtime Without Getting Scammed

Buying airtime or data is something most people do regularly. You can buy it through your network provider, bank app, USSD, or another trusted payment platform. But because money is involved, scammers sometimes try to trick people into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

The good news is that staying safe does not have to be difficult. The main rule is simple: use official channels, check the details before paying, and never share your secret banking information with anyone.

Safe Ways to Buy Airtime and Data

There are several safe ways to buy airtime and data. The best option for you may depend on what you have available on your phone.

• Use your network provider's official USSD code. USSD allows you to buy airtime or data directly from your phone without needing an internet connection. Dial the official code for your network and follow the instructions carefully. Always confirm the phone number, network, and amount before approving the transaction.

• Use your network provider's official app or website. If you use an app from your network provider, download it from a trusted app store and make sure it is the genuine app. Avoid downloading apps from random links sent through WhatsApp, SMS, or social media.

• Use your bank's official mobile app. Most Nigerian banking apps allow customers to buy airtime and data. Open the bank app yourself instead of clicking a payment link sent by a stranger. Select the correct network, enter the phone number, choose the amount or data plan, and confirm the transaction.

• Use your bank's official USSD service. If you do not have internet access, you can use your bank's official USSD service. Be careful when entering your PIN and check the transaction details before confirming.

• Use a trusted physical vendor. If you prefer buying from a person, use a vendor you know or a reputable business. Check the confirmation message after paying and make sure the airtime or data was actually credited.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also advises consumers to use official channels and keep records when dealing with telecom-related problems. You can find consumer information on the NCC Consumer Portal.

How to Buy Airtime or Data Safely

Follow these simple steps whenever you want to make a purchase.

• Step 1: Choose a trusted channel. Decide whether you will use your bank app, bank USSD, your network provider's app, or the provider's official USSD service.

• Step 2: Check the network. Make sure you have selected the correct network. Accidentally selecting the wrong network can cause problems with your purchase.

• Step 3: Check the phone number. Carefully enter the number you want to recharge or buy data for. Check every digit before confirming.

• Step 4: Check the amount or data plan. Make sure you are buying the package you actually want. Do not rush because you are afraid that an offer will expire.

• Step 5: Review before you pay. Look at the confirmation screen. Check the phone number, network, amount, and other details.

• Step 6: Protect your PIN and OTP. Enter your PIN or OTP only into the official banking or payment platform. Never tell another person your PIN, password, OTP, card PIN, or other security information.

• Step 7: Keep your receipt. Save the SMS, email, screenshot, or transaction reference until you are sure the airtime or data has arrived.

Common Airtime and Data Scams to Avoid

Scammers use different stories to make people act quickly. Here are some common warning signs.

• Fake customer-care agents: Someone may call or message you claiming to work for your bank or network provider. They may say there is a problem with your account and ask for your OTP, PIN, password, or other private information. Do not share it.

• Fake giveaways: You may receive a message saying you have won free airtime, data, or cash and must pay a small fee to claim it. Be suspicious of unexpected prizes, especially when someone demands payment first.

• Fake cheap data offers: A stranger may advertise a very cheap data bundle and ask you to transfer money to a personal account. The data may never arrive. If an offer seems unusually cheap, verify it through the network provider's official channel before paying.

• Fake payment links: A scammer may send a link that looks like a bank, network provider, or payment website. The link may actually lead to a fake website designed to steal your login details. Instead of clicking the link, open the official app or type the official website address yourself.

• "Send me the OTP" scams: An OTP is designed to help protect a transaction or account. A genuine customer-care representative should not need you to disclose your OTP to them. If someone asks for it, stop the conversation.

• Wrong-number tricks: Someone may claim that they accidentally sent airtime or money to you and ask you to send money back. Do not immediately trust the story. Check your account and transaction history first.

• Pressure tactics: Be careful if someone tells you that you must pay immediately or your account will be blocked. Scammers often try to make people panic so they do not have time to check the information.

What to Do If You Are Scammed

If you realise that you have sent money to a scammer or shared sensitive banking information, act quickly.

• Contact your bank through its official customer-service channel and report what happened.

• If your banking details or card information may have been exposed, ask your bank what protective steps you should take.

• If the problem involves airtime or data, contact your network provider through its official customer-care channel.

• Keep evidence such as transaction receipts, screenshots, phone numbers, messages, and transaction references. Do not delete them.

• Do not send more money to someone who claims they can "recover" your lost money for a fee. This can be another scam.

• If a telecom complaint is not resolved by your service provider, you can escalate it to the NCC. The NCC advises consumers to first complain to their service provider, obtain a complaint or ticket number, and then escalate when necessary. You can use the NCC complaint procedure.

What If Your Account Is Debited but You Do Not Receive the Airtime or Data?

Not every failed transaction is a scam. Sometimes a purchase can fail because of network problems, a system error, an incorrect phone number, or a problem between the bank and telecom provider.

If money leaves your bank account but the airtime or data does not arrive:

• Check your bank app or SMS alerts to confirm that the money was actually deducted.

• Wait a few minutes in case the transaction is still processing.

• Check that you entered the correct phone number and network.

• Keep your transaction receipt or reference number.

• Contact your bank and explain what happened.

• Contact your network provider if necessary.

The NCC's current guidance says consumers should keep transaction details and contact their bank when an account has been debited without receiving the purchased airtime or data.

A Simple Rule to Remember

Before buying airtime or data, remember these five checks:

• Use an official channel.
• Check the phone number and network.
• Check the amount or data plan.
• Never share your PIN, OTP, or password.
• Keep your transaction receipt.

You do not need to be a technology expert to protect yourself. Take a few extra seconds before confirming a transaction, especially when someone is putting pressure on you to act quickly.

Most importantly, do not trust a message just because it uses a bank or telecom company's name or logo. If you are unsure, leave the conversation and contact the company through its official app, website, or customer-care number.

Buying airtime and data should be simple. By using trusted channels, checking your details, protecting your security information, and keeping your transaction records, you can greatly reduce your chances of losing money to a scam.