New year, new scams: Online safety advocate, Onadipe warns Nigerians to stay ahead of fraudsters in 2026

As the new year begins, prominent online safety advocate and founder of Stay Safe Online Academy Ltd, Rotimi Onadipe, has issued a strong warning to internet users worldwide, urging them to prioritise digital safety and deny scammers any opportunity to strike in 2026.
Onadipe gave the advice on Thursday during the 155th edition of his global internet safety broadcast, held at the headquarters of Stay Safe Online Academy Ltd in Ibadan.
Addressing a worldwide audience, he emphasised that online safety education has become an urgent necessity in today’s rapidly evolving digital space.
“Online safety education is no longer optional,” Onadipe said.

“With the rise of AI-generated content, deepfake videos, cloned voices and other sophisticated technologies, it is becoming increasingly difficult to trust everything we see or hear online.”
He cautioned that scammers typically change their strategies at the start of every year, refining their methods to exploit unsuspecting victims.
“We are now in 2026, and people must understand that every new year comes with new scam tactics. Scammers restrategise to meet their targets. Don’t give them the opportunity to scam you in this new year,” he warned.
According to Onadipe, knowledge remains the most powerful defence against digital fraud.
“The only effective weapon against scammers is understanding how they operate and knowing how to avoid their traps,” he said.
“In 2026, internet users must make online safety education a priority and equip themselves and their families with reliable resources that can protect them from all forms of scams.”
He also highlighted the serious consequences of falling victim to fraud, noting that the impact often goes beyond financial loss.
“Many victims suffer devastating effects, including emotional distress and serious health challenges,” Onadipe said. “That is why prevention through education is far better than waiting until damage has already been done.”
As the year unfolds, the online safety expert urged individuals, families and organisations to remain vigilant, informed and proactive in protecting themselves in the digital world.