Beware of fraudsters using Bianca Ojukwu for scams

Fraudsters using Bianca Ojukwu for scams

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on members of the public to disregard any online requests for cash transfers to any account in her name or participation in empowerment schemes.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the notice became necessary after she discovered that some persons had floated programmes purportedly with her endorsement and established phoney bank accounts.

The Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Magnus Eze, in a statement issued in Abuja, said: “Specifically, it was discovered that some people had created fake social media accounts in her name, promoting empowerment schemes with mouth-watering offers. They range from trade exhibitions and agricultural grants to Nollywood events, among others.

“Ostensibly, these platforms are designed for defrauding unsuspecting members of the public. “This development was drawn to the attention of the minister after several unwary Nigerians had lost their life savings to the scam.” Odumegwu-Ojukwu specifically said: “I have no hand in these social media platforms. Whoever is dealing with them is doing so at his/her own peril. My certified and active social media handles are: Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu (Facebook) and biancaodumegwuojukwu (Instagram), both with a verifiable thread of long years of use and not just concocted. Please, beware.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu assumed office on 4 November 2024, and within the short period, some gullible Nigerians have fallen victim to fraudsters using her name for pecuniary reasons.

Eze further said the minister does not transact official government business on social media platforms.

Explaining the nature of some of the scam messages trending on social media, the minister said: “The scammers will tell you about a Federal Ministry of Agriculture or World Bank intervention grant that entitles you to sums ranging from N1 million to N50 million.

“They will ask you to contact a certain Dr Michael Gogo on 08133565420 and pay some money into an account in order to access the funds.

In one Facebook Messenger account, the scammer would recommend the unsuspecting prospect to another certain Dr. Basil Anthony on 09065111357.

“Many people have reached out to me regarding their interaction and unfortunate experiences on Facebook Messenger with these scammers, including Nigerians in the diaspora. In fact, many Nigerians in the United States have been ripped off by these prowling fraudsters.

“I repeat, this is a scam. Please, ignore their communication promoting various fraudulent schemes in order not to fall victim to their criminal activities.”

The minister urged any persons who need clarifications regarding any communication on social media purported to have emanated from her office to contact the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on Communication and New Media via 08033223554 (WhatsApp) and email: majeze1969@gmail.com.

Credit:  Aidoghie Paulinus, The Sun Newpapers.