The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), National Headquarters, Abuja, has warned its members across the country and in the diaspora against falling victim to fraudulent online empowerment portals and fake links circulating on social media, particularly WhatsApp.
The committee cautioned members to be wary of misleading information regarding the Federal Government's ongoing ₦50,000 relief disbursement, reportedly being facilitated by the National Emergency Relief Support Initiative (NERSI) through OPay and Moniepoint (MoMo) accounts.
In a warning issued by the Special Assistant on Media and Strategies to the PCRC National Chairman, Arakunrin Badmus Omoniyi Saburi clarified that beneficiaries of the relief programme are selected directly by the responsible agency and not through random distribution of messages, forwarded links or online application portals circulated on WhatsApp.
The committee stressed that members should not be deceived by individuals or groups claiming to offer access to the financial assistance through unofficial links or application platforms.
It warned that such links could be fraudulent schemes designed to obtain people's personal and banking information or defraud unsuspecting members of their money.
The PCRC particularly advised members against clicking on suspicious links or disclosing sensitive financial information, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs), Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and other bank account details to unknown persons.
It also cautioned members against making any payment to individuals who demand money as a condition for accessing or securing the purported ₦50,000 relief fund.
According to the committee, no member should allow the desire to benefit from the government intervention programme to expose them to financial fraud or compromise their personal banking security.
The national body further urged members to remain vigilant, verify information through appropriate official channels and avoid spreading unverified messages that could mislead others.
It however called on PCRC members nationwide and in the diaspora to share the warning within their respective communities and networks to prevent unsuspecting individuals from falling victim to online fraudsters