The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh warning to the public regarding the activities of fraudsters circulating false claims of contracts, loans, and grants allegedly sanctioned by the bank.
In a statement released by Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the apex bank expressed concern over the continued operations of individuals and groups pretending to act on its behalf. These fraudsters are said to be offering bogus financial benefits, including intervention funds and fictitious contracts, with the intent of deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn once again to the activities of individuals and groups falsely claiming to represent or act on behalf of the CBN. These actors continue to circulate fictitious offers of contracts, loans, grants, intervention funds, and other financial benefits allegedly issued or endorsed by the CBN,” the statement said.
The bank lamented that, despite a previous public advisory issued on 18 November 2024, such fraudulent schemes have persisted. The statement stressed that the CBN does not endorse or support these claims under any circumstance.
The bank made it clear that it does not award contracts or disburse funds via unsolicited communication methods, including emails, text messages, phone calls, WhatsApp, or social media platforms. It also does not demand payment of fees in exchange for such supposed benefits, nor does it engage intermediaries or third parties to offer financial services 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 statement advised.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the financial well-being of Nigerians, the CBN said it is working closely with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for these fraudulent activities.
