The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian public against falling prey to fraudulent schemes involving fictitious contracts, loans, grants, and other financial incentives falsely attributed to the bank. These schemes, orchestrated by individuals and groups posing as CBN representatives or agents, continue to proliferate despite previous warnings issued by the apex bank. The fraudsters employ various deceptive tactics, including unsolicited emails, phone calls, SMS messages, WhatsApp messages, and social media posts, to lure unsuspecting individuals into their fraudulent web. The CBN unequivocally states that it does not authorize, license, or appoint any individual, group, or organization to act on its behalf in offering such financial benefits.
The fraudulent activities often involve promises of lucrative contracts, readily available loans, generous grants, and access to intervention funds, all purportedly endorsed by the CBN. These false promises exploit the financial aspirations and vulnerabilities of individuals, leading them to believe in the legitimacy of these non-existent opportunities. The perpetrators often create a sense of urgency, pressuring potential victims to act quickly and make financial commitments before the supposed offer expires. They may also request upfront fees or payments for processing, documentation, or other fabricated requirements. The CBN emphasizes that it never requests any form of payment in exchange for financial assistance or opportunities.
The CBN reiterates its commitment to protecting the financial well-being of Nigerians and urges the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with individuals or entities claiming to represent the bank. It advises against engaging with such individuals and recommends immediate reporting of any suspicious activity to the relevant law enforcement agencies or the nearest CBN branch. The bank underlines that all official communication regarding its programs and initiatives is disseminated through established and verifiable channels, not through unsolicited means. It encourages individuals to verify any information received through unofficial channels by contacting the CBN directly or consulting its official website.
The persistence of these fraudulent schemes underscores the need for increased public awareness and vigilance. The CBN is actively collaborating with security agencies to investigate and prosecute those involved in these criminal activities. The bank emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about common fraud tactics and recognizing the red flags associated with such schemes. This includes being wary of unsolicited offers, requests for upfront payments, and promises that seem too good to be true. Verifying the legitimacy of any financial opportunity before making any commitments is crucial to safeguarding one’s financial interests.
The CBN further clarifies its procedures for awarding contracts and disbursing funds. It emphasizes that these processes are transparent and follow established protocols. Contracts are not awarded through unsolicited channels, and funds are not disbursed via emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or social media platforms. The bank maintains a formal and structured system for all its financial transactions, ensuring accountability and preventing fraudulent activities. Individuals should be skeptical of any communication that deviates from these established procedures.
In conclusion, the CBN urges Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to fictitious contracts, loans, grants, or other financial incentives falsely attributed to the bank. By working together and exercising caution, the public can help combat these fraudulent schemes and protect themselves from financial harm. The CBN remains committed to safeguarding the financial interests of Nigerians and will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice. The bank encourages individuals to prioritize financial literacy and remain informed about common fraud tactics to make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to these scams.
