By Deborah Nnamdi
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again cautioned the public against engaging with individuals or groups falsely claiming to offer contracts, grants, or intervention funds on behalf of the Bank.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Acting Director of Communication, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the CBN emphasized that it has not authorized any intermediary or agent to offer such financial services or opportunities.
The Bank noted a resurgence of deceptive schemes, despite its earlier public advisory issued on November 18, 2024. These schemes, often circulated via email, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or other social media platforms, attempt to lure unsuspecting members of the public with false promises of financial benefits allegedly endorsed by the CBN.
The statement read:
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has once again been drawn to fraudulent claims by individuals and groups purporting to represent the Bank in offering contracts, loans, or financial grants. These claims are entirely false and unauthorized.”
The CBN reiterated that it does not engage third parties to distribute funds or award contracts and does not request fees in exchange for such benefits.
The public is advised to be vigilant and avoid responding to such unsolicited communications. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to law enforcement or the nearest CBN office.
The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians from financial fraud and is working with relevant security agencies to combat these illicit activities.
