The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians to be on the lookout for fraudulent claims involving fake contract award letters and financial interventions supposedly linked to the bank.
The warning, which was issued in a statement on Monday, November 18, 2024, emphasized that these claims were nothing but scams aimed at deceiving unsuspecting individuals.
Mrs. Hakama Ali, the Acting Director of the CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, clarified that these fraudulent claims were not only misleading but also dangerous.
“Any such assertions are fraudulent and should be disregarded,” the statement read.
The CBN stressed that under its current management, there had been no new developments or special project funding programs linked to the bank.
Ali further explained that the CBN had discontinued direct interventions and special financial assistance for projects, making the claims of such funding completely false.
“Please note, the CBN has not issued any public notices or authorized announcements about such interventions via social media platforms or other media outlets,” Ali added.
This warning comes at a time when many Nigerians have become vulnerable to fraud, with scammers taking advantage of economic uncertainty to exploit the public.
The CBN’s statement aimed to curb the spread of these false claims, which have reportedly caused confusion and concern among potential victims.
The fraudulent activities often involve individuals or groups presenting fake documents, claiming that the CBN has awarded them contracts or is providing special financial assistance.
“These fraudsters may offer fake letters of contract awards or financial aid, sometimes asking for upfront payments for processing,” the CBN noted.
Ali emphasized that such schemes are not only misleading but illegal, and Nigerians should be wary of anyone making these types of claims.
“The CBN remains committed to its core mandate of ensuring monetary and price stability, as well as maintaining a sound and efficient financial system in Nigeria,” she said.
The bank further urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activities related to these fraudulent claims to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
In a statement to the public, the CBN reiterated that it would not be responsible for any financial loss resulting from individuals engaging with fraudsters.
“We urge everyone to be vigilant and exercise caution in all dealings, especially when it comes to offers that seem too good to be true,” the statement concluded.
The rise of fraud related to the CBN’s name comes at a time when Nigerians are facing significant economic challenges, with many struggling to navigate inflation and unstable currency values.
While the CBN has continued to focus on stabilizing the economy and providing monetary oversight, the efforts of these fraudsters undermine the trust and efforts of the bank.
“This is not the first time we have witnessed such fraudulent schemes, and we are doing everything possible to raise awareness and prevent further deception,” said a source at the CBN.
The fraudsters often operate through phone calls, emails, or even fake social media profiles, where they impersonate CBN officials or create bogus websites to lend credibility to their schemes.
Such scams are not limited to individuals; businesses, contractors, and even government agencies have fallen victim to these types of frauds.
The CBN has called on Nigerians to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the police, who are equipped to handle such matters.
“We have made it clear that the CBN will never request money for the processing of any contract awards or interventions. Anyone asking for such payments should be treated with suspicion,” Ali said.
The CBN has also committed to working closely with security agencies to track down and prosecute those behind these fraudulent schemes, to protect the integrity of the Nigerian financial system.
With the growing number of scams targeting vulnerable individuals and businesses, the CBN’s efforts to warn the public and encourage vigilance are crucial.
This warning is part of the CBN’s broader campaign to ensure that Nigerians remain informed and cautious in the face of rising fraud and financial deception.
In conclusion, the CBN urged all Nigerians to prioritize caution when engaging with unknown parties making financial offers or claims.
“Only trust legitimate channels and always verify any claims before proceeding,” the statement urged.
