The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cautioned Nigerians against dealing with individuals and groups circulating fake contracts, loans, and financial grants purportedly issued or endorsed by the apex bank
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians to be wary of individuals and groups promoting fictitious contracts, loans, and financial grants, falsely claiming they are issued or endorsed by the bank.
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In a statement released on Monday by the CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank reiterated that its attention had been drawn to the activities of fraudsters misrepresenting themselves as acting on behalf of the CBN.
“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 CBN noted that despite a public advisory issued on November 18, 2024, these fraudulent schemes persist, targeting unsuspecting members of the public with deceptive claims.
The apex bank emphasised 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,” it added.
The CBN stressed that it does not award contracts or disburse funds through unsolicited channels such as emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or any social media platform. It also clarified that it does not request payment of fees in exchange for such benefits, nor does it engage intermediaries or third parties to offer financial services or opportunities to the public.
“Members of the public are advised that the Central Bank of Nigeria does not award contracts or disburse funds through unsolicited communications such as emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or any social media platform,” the bank stated.
“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,” it added.
The bank reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the financial interests of Nigerians and stated that it is working closely with security agencies to investigate and curb these fraudulent activities.
