The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh warning to the public against fraudulent individuals and groups offering fake contracts, loans, and financial grants allegedly linked to the apex bank.
In a statement released on Monday, the CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, said the bank had once again become aware of scammers impersonating CBN representatives to lure unsuspecting victims.
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn once again to individuals and groups falsely claiming to represent or act on behalf of the bank,” the statement read. “These actors continue to circulate false offers of contracts, loans, grants, intervention funds, and other financial benefits supposedly endorsed by the CBN.”
The bank noted that despite an earlier public warning issued on November 18, 2024, these fraudulent schemes have persisted.
Reiterating its position, the CBN emphasized that it does not authorize, license, or appoint any individual or organization to act as an agent for the distribution of contracts, grants, or intervention funds. It also clarified that it does not request payments or fees in exchange for any such benefits.
“CBN does not disburse funds or award contracts through unsolicited messages via emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or any social media platforms,” the bank said.
It advised Nigerians to avoid engaging with anyone making such claims and urged anyone who encounters these scams to report them immediately to law enforcement agencies or the nearest CBN branch.
The bank also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the financial interests of Nigerians and stated that it is working with security agencies to investigate and curb these fraudulent activities.
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