The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised an alarm over what it described as a growing wave of impersonation scams and fraudulent activities being carried out by individuals posing as its officers across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission warned that criminal elements were increasingly deploying deceptive tactics to damage its image and extort unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the EFCC, intelligence reports indicate that several groups are now exploiting the Commission’s identity to carry out coordinated fraud schemes in different parts of major cities.
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One of such schemes, the Commission said, involves criminals operating around popular eateries and recreational spots, where they allegedly ambush young people leaving such locations.
The suspects reportedly accuse their victims of internet-related offences without evidence, before dispossessing them of valuables. In some cases, they allegedly wear fake uniforms and move victims to locations falsely presented as EFCC offices.
The Commission also revealed that another group targets motorists, stopping vehicles based on number plate identification. These individuals, according to the EFCC, sometimes brandish weapons while making false allegations in a bid to extort money from drivers.
In addition, the anti-graft agency condemned the activities of online content creators and impersonators who stage fake “sting operations” against alleged fraudsters.
These videos, often showing forced entry into buildings and damaged property, the EFCC said, are misleading and capable of distorting public perception of its operations.
“The EFCC is constrained to alert the public about increasing waves of attack on its image by criminal characters parading themselves as officers of the Commission in different guises,” the statement read in part.
The Commission cautioned members of the public to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to such deceptive schemes, stressing that it operates under strict procedures and established channels for investigations and enforcement.
It further urged Nigerians not to allow their perception of the Commission’s work to be influenced by the activities of impersonators and blackmailers seeking to exploit its name for criminal purposes.
While reaffirming its commitment to combating economic and financial crimes, the EFCC advised citizens to verify suspicious activities and report them through appropriate official channels.
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