Beware of fake loan schemes, CBN warns Nigerians

The Central Bank of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to beware of fraudulent messages and videos requesting people especially owners of small-scale businesses tools apply for loans or investment schemes purportedly facilitated by the bank.

A statement by the bank said, “While the CBN, indeed, has several development finance intervention programmes from which different categories of businesses have benefitted (and still benefitting), it does not do so through direct interaction with prospective applicants.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there are clearly spelt out procedures for accessing the CBN intervention funds, which are disbursed through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), such as the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Microfinance Banks (MFBs).

“The bank also does not facilitate investment schemes.

“Members of the public, particularly youth and owners of small-scale businesses, are therefore advised to disregard any video or text message proposing investment schemes or charging them fees on the pretext that their organisations are endorsed by the CBN and therefore would guarantee easy access to CBN loans.

“These videos and massages are fraudulent and anyone who enters into correspondence with those behind them does so at his or her own risk. The CBN has neither appointed nor accredited any organization to serve as agent on its behalf for the purpose of investment or applying for intervention loans.

“Prospective applicants are therefore advised to approach their respective banks, NIRSAL microfinance bank or the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch nearest to them for clarification on the procedure for accessing any of the CBN-related facility.”