The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against engaging with individuals and groups peddling fictitious contracts, loans, and financial grants purportedly issued or endorsed by the apex bank.

It gave the warning in a statement issued on Monday by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, where the apex bank said its attention had once again been drawn to the activities of fraudsters falsely claiming to represent or act on behalf of the bank.

“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 read.

It noted that despite a public advisory issued on November 18, 2024, the fraudulent schemes had persisted, targeting unsuspecting members of the public with deceptive narratives.

The apex bank stressed that it had 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.

It warned that the bank does not award contracts or disburse funds through unsolicited channels such as emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or any social media platform.

It also 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 said.

“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 safeguarding the financial interests of Nigerians and said it was working closely with security agencies to investigate and curb fraudulent activities.