SON Raises Alarm Over Fraudsters Impersonating Its DG to Solicit Funds
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters impersonating its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, to defraud unsuspecting individuals under the guise of contract awards and auction opportunities.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the agency disclosed that the fraudsters have been using fake phone numbers and bank account details to contact members of the public while falsely presenting themselves as the SON chief executive and demanding financial payments.
SON said the criminals have been soliciting money for purported contracts, auctions and other official transactions, stressing that Dr. Okeke does not conduct official business through social media platforms or personal channels.
According to the agency, one of the reported cases involved a demand for the payment of N8.5 million into a bank account supplied by the fraudsters. The organisation emphasized that its Director-General does not solicit funds, request monetary transfers, offer employment opportunities, award contracts or conduct auctions through unofficial platforms.
“The public is hereby informed that the Director-General/Chief Executive, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, does not solicit funds, request monetary transfers, award contracts, offer employment opportunities, or conduct auctions or official business through social media accounts,” the statement noted.
SON identified the fraudulent contacts as a WhatsApp number, 07046427254, and an Access Bank account bearing the name Musa Abubakar with account number 1955996824. The agency urged members of the public not to engage with the individuals behind the scheme or make payments into the account.
The organisation reiterated that all recruitment exercises, procurement processes, contract awards and auctions are conducted strictly in accordance with Federal Government regulations and established due process procedures.
SON further stated that measures have been taken to address the situation and protect stakeholders from falling victim to the scam. It advised members of the public to communicate with the agency only through its approved channels, including official social media platforms, email addresses, customer service lines and offices nationwide.
The agency also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious communication or fraudulent activity linked to its name or that of its Director-General to the appropriate security agencies.
Source: TheCable