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CBN WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST FRAUDSTERS CLAIMING TO ACT ON ITS BEHALF

Akpo Ojo The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned the public against the antics and activities of fraudsters, claiming to act on behalf of the apex bank through bogus claims or the award of fictitious contracts. The CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Sidi Ali Hakama, gave the warning in an advisory issued by the bank. She said the attention of the CBN has been drawn to the activities of individuals and groups falsely claiming to represent or act on behalf of the apex bank, by circulating fictitious offers of contracts, loans, grants, intervention funds, and other financial benefits allegedly issued or endorsed by the CBN. The CBN spokesperson expressed concern that despite the public advisory issued on November 18, 2024, through the bank’s official channels and news outlets, these misleading schemes have persisted, targeting unsuspecting members of the public with false and deceptive narratives. Accordingly, the CBN reiterated that it has not authorised, licensed, or appointed any individual, group or organisation to act as an agent or intermediary in offering contracts, financial grants, or intervention funds to the public. “The CBN also does not endorse or support such claims in any form. “Members of the public are advised that the CBN does not award contracts or disburse funds through unsolicited communications such as e-mails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or any social media platform. “It also does not request payment of fees in exchange for contracts, grants, or financial interventions, nor does it engage intermediaries or third parties to offer financial services or opportunities to the public. “If you are approached by individuals or entities making such claims, we strongly advise that you do not engage with them. “Instead, such incidents should be reported immediately to the relevant law enforcement agencies or the nearest CBN Branch,” the advisory stated. The apex bank added that it remains committed to safeguarding the financial interests of the Nigerian public and will continue to work closely with security agencies to investigate and address fraudulent activities.

EFCC ARRESTS FOUR CHINESE, 101 OTHERS FOR SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUD IN ABUJA

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians in Abuja for suspected internet fraud. The suspects were arrested on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in a business apartment in the Gudu axis of Abuja. The Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed in a statement that the suspects were involved in a hotel review job scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world. The suspects comprise 67 males, including the four Chinese nationals, and 38 females. Oyewale stated that the EFCC is committed to cleaning the nation of internet fraud and other acts of corruption. He added that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. The EFCC’s efforts to combat internet fraud have been ongoing, with a recent massive raid conducted on December 16, 2024, in Victoria Island, Lagos, resulting in the arrest of 792 suspects.