Scam Alert
There is a
current growing global trend of cyber-crime and unfortunately in the case of
Nigeria, the NNPC is prime target for use as a cover story in many of the
instances. Indeed over the years, several scams have been perpetuated on
victims all over the world by unsavoury characters purporting to be bona
fide staff of the NNPC or contractors to NNPC or purchaser of Nigerian crude
oil or contractors to the Nigerian Government.
This type of scam is sometimes described as “419” as
it stems from the violation of Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code.
The scam combines the threat of impersonation and fraud with a variation of
an advance fee scheme in which a letter, email, or fax is received by the
potential victim.
The communications emanating from these fraudsters are usually set along the
following scenarios:
The recipient is offered the "opportunity" to share in a percentage of
millions of dollars for assistance in placing large sums of money in
overseas bank accounts. Payment of taxes, bribes to government officials,
and legal fees are often described in great detail with the promise that all
expenses will be reimbursed as soon as the funds are siphoned out of Nigeria
or a bank account of the victim.
The recipient is encouraged to send information to the author, such as blank
letterhead stationary, bank name and account numbers, and other identifying
information using a facsimile number provided in the letter.
The recipient is coerced into a scheme that depicts entry into a contract
with the NNPC. These scams which run into millions of dollars and the
supporting documents usually appear genuine unless where they are verified
by appropriate officers of NNPC or the Government.
Please apply the following checklist to mail
purportedly received from any “official of the NNPC”:
Authenticate every contract document by conducting a due diiligence and
proper verification through NNPC offices in Nigeria and in London.
If in doubt about the authenticity of any communication received, visit the
Nigerian High Commission or Consulate Office in your country of residence.
Alternatively you may wish to contact the High Commission or Consulate
Office of your home country in Nigeria.
You may send an email to scammaster@nnpcgroup.com to
verify the contents of any mail purportedly emanating from the NNPC.
Be wary of individuals who contact you by email representing themselves as
NNPC or Government officials.
Beware when asked to assist in placing large sums of money in overseas bank
accounts and do not believe the promise of large sums of money for your
cooperation.
Do not reply to emails asking for personal banking information and guard
your account information carefully.
Visit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission website to learn more
about combating financial and economic crimes in Nigeria.
Be alert and remember fraudulent malpractice in whatever form or device is
investigated by the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission which
is in collaboration with the US CIA, FBI and the UK MI4 as well as Interpol.
