The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fraudsters

  • Banker loses $30,000 to ‘fraudsters’

    The police have arrested two persons for allegedly swindling a bank worker of  $30,000 (about N5,910,000).

    The suspects, who pretended to be money doublers, fortune tellers and miracle workers are being interrogated by the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives.

    They are: Abdullahi Mubarak Ismaihi, 47, a.k.a Miracle Worker, from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, and Prophetess Bola Ojo, 65, a.k.a Holy Spirit, who claims to be the General Overseer of Botifer Parish of C & S Church in Aboru-Ipaja, a Lagos suburb.

    According to a police source, Ismaihi met a lady marketer in a new-generation bank at Ogba, Lagos, and told her that his politician-friend wanted to change N5,000,700 into dollars.

    He assured the banker, who is looking for a child, that he could help her spiritually.

    The suspect asked the woman to meet him at Egbeda, a Lagos suburb, from where he directed her to his office at 28, Samson Street, Oke Odo.

    Before going to see the suspect at Egbeda, the banker told her account officer who is also looking for a child of her plan.

    The account officer gave her the money, but insisted on following her to the suspect’s place.

    At Egbeda, Ismaihi told her he is a native doctor and gave her soap with which to bathe to enable her realise her dream.

    He also told her to narrate her problem to Holy Spirit (Prophetess Bola Ojo), who was speaking behind a curtain to convince the woman.

    The woman said she wanted a child as well as big money to enable her resign from the bank and set up her own business.

    After 30 minutes of prayers, she collected the soap from Ismaihi and went for a bath. When she returned, Ismaihi and Holy Spirit had disappeared. When she could not find the suspects, she returned to the bank to tell the account officer.

    When the money owner got an alert, she went to the bank to demand how she was debited $30,000. The account officer begged her to give her time to return her money.

    After waiting for a month, the customer petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, who ordered the Officer-in-Charge of SARS, Abba Kyari to handle the case.

    Abdullahi told the police: “The woman wanted me to make her pregnant and rich to enable her resign from bank. I told her it would cost her big money and that I would use seven Akumi (camel’s hunch), with each costing N750,000. She brought the money and I gave her soap to bathe and come back for her miracle, but I disappeared. I was later arrested by SARS operatives. We are three in our gang.

    “It took the woman five days to get the money, but I have spent all on hotel accommodation and women. It was the highest money I made since I started this ‘419’. I used to get less than N10,000; I had never hit millions except in this one. I gave the Prophetess N200,000 after the deal.

    “I am a native doctor and it was the woman who said she wanted to do ritual. I am an Alhaji because I went to Mecca. I am happily married with four lovely children. I used part of the money to offset their school fees.

    “It is greed that lured me into 419 because I wanted to get millions of naira as quick as possible. I was tired of getting chicken money that does not solve problems. It is better to be a fraudster than to be an armed robber.”

    The ‘prophetess’ said: “I acted the Holy Spirit and got N200,000 as my share. Even when people who were sick came to me to heal them with prayers, I used to consult this Alhaji (Ismaihi) who claims to be a native doctor. He nearly put me in trouble because he claimed to cure all kinds of illness but never succeeded in curing even one. I am from Ekiti. I am the owner of my church. My role was to do prayers and act as Holy Spirit.”

    The Command’s spokesperson, Ken Nwosu, a Deputy Supretendent pf Police (DSP), told The Nation that efforts were on to get the fleeing third suspect.

     

  • E-PPAN alerts of fraudsters using BVN

    E-PPAN alerts of fraudsters using BVN

    Electronic Payments Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN) has warned customers to be wary of fraudsters pretending to be carrying out Biometric Numebr Verification (BVN) registration to access details of customers’ bank accounts.

    Its Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Regha Onajite urged bank customers to do their BVN with their banks, warning that unscrupulous elements are hiding under the guise of the exercise to defraud customers.

    Mrs. Onajite, who spoke in Lagos during an interactive session with reporters, said: “One thing they (fraudsters) use to catch their unsuspecting victims currently is the ongoing Bank Verification Numbers (BNV) registration. Everybody is supposed to do the BVN and I urge Nigerians to go and do this exercise with their banks. It only takes few minutes to complete the process.

    “No bank will send you an email to go online to put in your details all in the name of registering for your BVN. So we must be very careful about giving information out.”

    E-PPAN is particularly worried that as the Easter festivities gather momentum, bank customers are more likely going to use these alternative channels to either withdraw or make payments. It has therefore offered tips to customers so that they will not be defrauded by cyber crooks.

    She said banking customers should not be carried away by ongoing general elections and Easter celebrations from taking proper protection of their personal sensitive data connected to their financial activities.

    She said:  “This is the period of election and there is a lot of anxiety. We are trying to change to a new administration or retain the existing one and because we are anxious about our political future, a lot of people may ignorantly open the flanks of their financial security.

    “We should always be on the alert because the fraudsters are always on the prowl. Because fraud happens when there is a state of less security, you be on your guard; protect yourselves, personal details because once you are able to protect our personal details, it reduces your chances of being defrauded by 50 per cent and even by 80 per cent.

    “So, the other 20 per cent would be handled by the financial institutions through different measures they have put in place to ensure that their customers are safe. Electronic payments come with a lot of convenience. Speed is one of them.

    “It, therefore, means that if somebody is about to get your details or cards and access your channels of payment, the person will also be able to conveniently and speedily steal your money.”

    She urged customers to be couscous of the increasing wave of phishing. “You need to protect yourself always. Do not open unsolicited emails; do not respond to them, don’t feel your information online as this may be phishing, and you may leak your personal financial details in the process”

    She said with electronic payments, a lot of banking customers have got increased financial security since they carry less cash and rely more on electronic platforms for their transactions, warning that during festive periods, cyber crimes always peak because people like to buy things online and do fund transfers to friends, parents and relatives.

  • Banks lose N6.2b to fraudsters

    The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) has put the total amount of cash lost by banks to fraudsters in 2014 at N6.2 billion, as against N7.75 billion attempted fraud cases.

    NIBSS’s Head, Information System Security, Olufemi Fadamo disclosed this during the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) held in Lagos at the weekend. He said the volume of attempted fraud in 2014 showed a great improvement compared to N19 billion in 2013.

    He said the fraud cases were only those that passed through the Nigeria Central Switch and that frauds were mainly carried out through the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) channels.

    Fadamo however disclosed that fraudsters have changed their strategy, and are now using mainly the Point of Sale (PoS) channels to perpetrate their acts.

    NeFF Chairman, ‘Dipo Fatokun, said the body has come a long way since it was inaugurated in December 2011 and that it has over the years, remained committed to its core objectives of enabling information exchange and knowledge sharing on fraud issues amongst key stakeholders.

    He said the NeFF was established with the objective of ensuring collaborative and proactive approach to tackling/mitigating fraud and limiting occurrences and losses.

    The body he said is also serving as an official body that represents the industry’s position on fraud related issues, while proffering solutions that restore public confidence on card usage and electronic payments in general.

    Fatokun, who is also Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director of e-Payment said the NeFF has over the years, increased information and knowledge sharing, proffered solutions that have been adopted into circulars for the industry, embarked on strategic relationships and structured the administration.

    According to Fatokun, NeFF was able to achieve these feat by creating an online presence that eases access to information on fraud and related matters. He said the body has entered into collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle card fraud, adding that the group has been able to create a membership schedule comprising 47 organisations and 145 members.

     

  • Pastor loses N5m to fraudsters

    A pastor, who allegedly intended to exchange N5million for $50million, has been duped by a five-man gang.

    Three of the gang members were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command.

    They are Chukwuma Anierobi, 52, Thomas Adekunle, 52 and Thomas Benz, 50.

    Police said they were arrested for allegedly duping a pastor based in the Southeast of N5million, under the pretence of buying a land and erecting a structure for a foreigner at $50million.

    A gang member, Ifeanyi, who is at large, brought the idea; Benz got a foreign number that was used to call the victim to ask if he was interested in the deal.

    They lodged in a hotel in Ikeja and invited the Pastor. When he came, they handed him a box containing $50million dollars and he took a flight back to the East. On getting home, he realised that the dollars were photocopies. Since then, he has not been able to reach the gang.

    Benz, who pretended to be London-based, said his role was to clear the money.

    “I called the victim (pastor) and told him that he will collect the cargo through Air France as the clearing agent. After I informed him that his money had arrived, I went to meet him where he lodged telling him the money for clearing was N870, 000. I also said officials of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) wanted to open the box but since I stopped them, they requested N5million and he pleaded to pay N3.5miliion.

    “Pastor said he operates a joint account with his wife and asked me to prepare the papers which I did. He paid all the money we requested, carried the box and got a flight back to the East. When he opened the box, he called saying that the dollars were fake. I asked him to shut up and I switched off my phone. We all collected N700, 000 each as our share.”

    Adekunle from Itaido in Ekiti State said: “I was the one he called when he opened the box. Our intention was to continue to extort money from him but the way he reacted made us end the game. I also assisted in clearing the defaced dollars with chemicals.”

  • Protect your cards against fraudsters, Sterling Bank urges

    Protect your cards against fraudsters, Sterling Bank urges

    Sterling Bank Plc has advised organisations and Nigerians to protect information about their financial transactions, particularly their cards to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.

    This advice came against the backdrop of increasing Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) related frauds within and outside the shores of the country leading to financial losses on the part of banks’ customers.

    The bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Shina Atilola,  said the bank expressed regret that fraudsters had taken advantage of the cash-less policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to penetrate electronic payment systems globally.

    He explained that although the card payment system in the country was based on the “Chip and PIN” technology, which is adequately protected, some other countries have not fully adopted this technology.

    “What is use in some countries is the magnetic strip technology, which makes it easy for fraudsters to clone customers’ cards and fraudulently make use of their card information.  Also, some people do not exercise sufficient caution in the manner they handle their debit and credit cards as they either expose it to unauthorised persons or give it out to other people to make withdrawals or transact on their behalf,” he explained.

    The bank’s spokesman explained that when card information has been compromised, the card-holder becomes vulnerable to fraudulent activities.

    “In countries where the chip and PIN technology has not been fully adopted, such as the USA and China, card information such as the card number on the face of the card and the Card Verification Value (CVV) -the set of numbers at the back of the card – can be used to perpetrate fraud even without the customer’s PIN”.

    Therefore, it is not just about keeping the PIN secure, the card number and the CVV should also be protected.

     

    He advised customers to exercise additional caution when carrying out transactions in the above-named countries or with companies based in these countries. He implored customers to be careful as it may be difficult for any bank to assume responsibility for frauds of this nature,” he said.

  • NeFF seeks banks’ collaboration against fraudsters

    The Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) has called on banks to be united to enable stakeholders succeed in the fight against fraudsters.

    Speaking at the NeFF end of year meeting held in Lagos, Chairman Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria, Pattinson Boleigha noted that ‘collaboration and customer due diligence’ will help to fight fraudsters.

    “NeFF has been a cornerstone of our security today and that is why we must play our roles for them to achieve their objective. I have not seen any solution but collaboration. This people have no boundaries, let’s try to focus on one common purpose which is the fraudsters. We must try to stay ahead of them else they will take a mile.

    “Unfortunately, some of them are among us. Fraud is a predicate offence to money laundering and that is why we need to collaborate. We must do our customer due diligence properly in order to wipe fraudsters off,” he said.

    Chairman, Nigeria electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF), Mr Dipo Fatokun said the war against fraudsters has not been easy, adding that the regulators have instituted policies and guidelines that are helping to fight fraud in the financial services sector.

    “Fraud is not completely eliminated but we have come out with strict policies and guidelines to help fight it. The war has not been easy this year but the truth is, with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee, the battle has been successful. Let’s collaborate to fight out common enemy because now, they may likely start their own collaboration today,” he said.

  • Lagos warns against fraudsters

    Lagos warns against fraudsters

    The Lagos State government has cautioned residents against fraudsters who now create fake Facebook accounts of Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    In a statement by Fashola’s Special Adviser on Media Hakeem Bello, the government said the governor does not do business on Facebook.

    “Although he has a Facebook and Twitter accounts, they are used for communicating government policies and programmes when necessary.

    “Governor Babatunde Fashola does not do business on Facebook. He does not operate a Facebook account that asks people to make cash donations in any bank account.

    “We urge the public to be wary of such fraudsters.”

  • ‘Only fraudsters make money from unionism’

    ‘Only fraudsters make money from unionism’

    Israel Fagbemigun,24, has been sworn in as Senate President of the National Association of Ondo Students (NAOSS). The 400-Level Microbiology student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, tells KEMI BUSARI (Political Science) why students must show their aim for seeking leadership.

    How did you join students’ politics?

    I started by engaging students in political discussions on campus. Later, I developed interest in seeking leadership position by election. In my 100-Level, I contested to be the class representative but I lost. In the same year, I lost the bid to be the Assistant General Secretary of my faculty. After that, I have contested for 16 other offices on campus and won all.

    What elective positions have you held on campus and elsewhere?

    I served as a local government co-ordinator for “Ribadu For President”, a campaign team in Ondo State in 2011. I was elected the Public Relations Officer of the National Union of Ikale Students in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). I was a member of Students’ Association Parliament for three years during which I served in various committees, including project monitoring and audit committees. I also served in the audit committee of my department for three years and rose to become the chairman. I was also privileged to serve as the General Secretary of National Association of Ondo Students (NAOSS) in OAU and later became president in the 2012/2013 session.

    How would you describe your emergence as NAOSS Senate President?

    It was an indication of hope for better change because students voted according to their conscience and not for money. I could never match what my opponents spent during the campaign but in the end, the total vote cast for me was more than that of my opponents’ altogether. The victory is a relief and an encouragement for me to serve my colleagues and state.

    What would you do to foster unity among members?

    Our roles go beyond making laws to smoothen operation of the association. We are also to check the activities of the executive members. We are expected to offer support where necessary in strengthening peace and unity. All these responsibilities are to promote development.

    How would you manage the seemingly recurring rivalry between executive and legislative arms?

    Disagreement does not always end in rivalry as people may think. It requires that the legislative arm deals with the executive respectfully in carrying out checks and balances. The executive must, in turn, respect the parliament’s members and their decisions. If there is mutual respect, tension will be reduced.

    Do you believe the notion that students’ unionism is a means to get money from politicians?

    I totally disagree. But some students’ leaders engage in it. This is a product of lack of leadership orientation on the part of those doing it. It is against my principle in politics. While some may do it, people must understand that it is not general. It is only a fraudster that uses unionism to amass wealth.

    Can students’ politics be devoid of corruption?

    Yes it can, with the proper orientation. Students seeking elective positions must show sincerity of purpose rather than pecuniary gains.

     

     

  • Fish out fraudsters, advisory council told

    The Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC) has been asked to ensure that those who defrauded Community Development Committees (CDCS) and Community Development Associations (CDAs) do not go scot free.

    Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was swearing in the LSCDAC executive, urged the council to monitor, report and discipline those who mismanage CDCs’ and CDAs’ funds.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Fashola said the occasion marked another milestone in government’s effort to mobilise CDAs to participate in governance.

    He said government encouraged the formation of CDAs to ensure adequate community influence and control in development initiatives.

    Fashola charged the council to plan, co-ordinate and execute community development projects and ensure compliance with government policies and programmes.

    He urged LSCDAC to co-operate with council chairmen to ensure execution of development projects at the grassroots, urging the group to prepare its 2015 budget and pass to his ministry.

    LSCDAC chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri hailed the government for its support for the LASCDC, promising to work to ensure that CDAs and CDCs are accountable and supervise government projects in their domains.

    Present at the ceremony were Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government Rufus Oladele Adekanye,  Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Abduwahab Olajide Jimoh,  Vice Chairman, Mainland Local Government, Rashidat Omolola Essien, member, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency 11 in the House of Assembly, Moshood Olanrewaju Oshin, the Special Assistant to the governor on Rural and Social Development, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, and the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Rural and Social Development Ministry, Mr. Olatunde Agoro.

  • Crawford varsity warns admission fraudsters

    Crawford University Igbesa, Ogun State has alerted members of the public, parents, guardians and admission seekers to be wary of fraudsters who send false text messages and create fictitious websites, soliciting for payments into a dubious bank account for the purchase of admission forms and payment of school fees.

    In a publication signed by the university registrar, Tunde Oluite-Adekoya, he advised applicants to visit the university’s website or the campus for clarifications.