FG Raises Alarm About Fraudulent N3m COVID-19 Grant

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has issued a warning to unsuspecting Nigerians about an ongoing N3 million COVID-19 scam in circulation.

This was disclosed on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning via its Twitter handle.

According to the government, the scam targets Nigerians looking to benefit from the federal government’s assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19 pandemic as many of them are facing a lot of financial pressure to stay afloat.

In the tweet, it warned about some phishing links being shared on social media, requesting for applications for N3 million FG grants.

It tweeted, “The general public should note that these phishing links are generated by Scammers and intended to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

“Government requests for applications are only via official channels & websites.

“It has come to our attention that a link is being shared via social media requesting for applications for a Federal Government N3 million grant.

“The general public should note that this is a SCAM. Any requests for applications are only via official channels & websites. Please beware! #FinMinNigeria.”

There are a lot of scams being perpetrated by fraudsters who capitalise on vulnerable Nigerians to carry out schemes that involve them sending their personal data.

As Nigeria continues in its fight against COVID-19, it has conducted about 620,758 tests since the first confirmed case was announced in the country.

So far, the total number of infected people in the country stands at 62,521, based on Thursday night metrics according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

A total of 58,249 patients have been discharged and 1,141 deaths recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The health agency said that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, had continued to coordinate the national response activities.

The NCDC said that disregarding the prevention measures for COVID-19 put individuals and people around them at risk of getting infected with the virus.