…warns members against fraudulent links
By Ronke Akase
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), National Headquarters, Abuja, has issued a strong warning to all its members across Nigeria and in the diaspora over the circulation of fake empowerment cash portals and fraudulent links promising Federal Government relief funds.
In a statement signed by Arakunrin Badmus Omoniyi Saburi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategies to the PCRC National Chairman, for the National Chairman and Executives, the Committee urged members to be very careful and wary of misinformation going around on social media, especially WhatsApp.
The warning, dated 5th November, 2026, was issued from the Office of the National Chairman in Abuja.
According to the statement, fraudsters are circulating unnecessary links and messages asking unsuspecting members of the public to apply for cash under the guise of empowerment programmes.
The PCRC clarified the position on the ongoing Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief disbursement by NERSI through Opay and Momo accounts, noting that beneficiaries are chosen directly by the agency.
“It is NOT by random sharing of messages, forwarding links, or filling any portal shared on WhatsApp,” the statement emphasized.
The Committee warned members not to click any strange link, and not to share their OTP, PIN, BVN or bank details with anyone, stressing that no beneficiary is expected to pay any money to anybody to access the money.
“Do not pay any money to anybody to get the money,” the statement warned.
The PCRC further urged members to stay safe and be vigilant, and to share the warning to protect others who may fall victim to the scam.
The warning comes amid rising cases of cyber fraud in the country, where scammers exploit government intervention programmes to defraud citizens by harvesting their personal and banking details through fake portals.
The PCRC said its leadership will continue to sensitize members on the activities of fraudsters, while calling on members to report any suspicious link or message to the appropriate authorities.
Members were also advised to rely only on official channels of communication from the PCRC National Headquarters and the relevant government agencies for authentic information on empowerment and relief programmes.