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The Niger State Government has revealed a complex fraud network that is masquerading as representatives of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s empowerment program.
The scammers are reportedly traversing various communities, deceitfully gathering sensitive personal information, such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identity Numbers (NIN), fingerprints, and banking details, under the false pretense of enrolling residents for government assistance.
These fraudsters are said to have utilized this information to create digital wallet accounts on platforms like OPay, PalmPay, and MoniePoint, securing loans of up to N500,000.
They allegedly provided victims with only N50,000, claiming it was empowerment funds from the governor’s initiative, while pocketing the rest for themselves.
It has also been reported that, after deceiving their victims, the scammers destroyed the SIM cards and disappeared, leaving the victims with unexpected debts to settle.
In a statement, the Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, denounced the actions of these fraudsters, clarifying that “no government official is collecting such data door-to-door.”
He cautioned, “Anyone requesting your BVN, NIN, bank details, or fingerprints in the name of empowerment is a fraudster.”
The SSG revealed that the state government has instructed security agencies to pursue and prosecute the offenders, while advising citizens to refrain from sharing personal information with anyone claiming to represent the government.
The government further assured the public of its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of its citizens and warned that it will not tolerate criminals exploiting the public under the guise of empowerment initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have been approached by someone asking for my personal information?
You should not provide any personal information. Report the incident to local authorities or the relevant security agencies immediately.
How can I verify if a government program is legitimate?
You can verify by contacting official government offices or checking their official website for announcements regarding programs and initiatives.
What steps is the government taking to combat this fraud?
The government has directed security agencies to track down and prosecute the fraudsters involved, ensuring that such criminal activities are addressed promptly.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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