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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Abia warns public against fake ₦65,000 Otti birthday giveaway

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Abia State Government has issued a warning against a fraudulent online message offering ₦65,000 cash transfers purportedly from the Otti Foundation.
  • Officials stated that neither the government, the governor, nor the foundation has authorized any such giveaway or cash transfer program.
  • The public is advised to ignore the message and avoid clicking links or sharing personal information, as the sites are phishing attempts designed to steal data and money.

The Abia State Government has alerted the public to a fraudulent online scheme circulating a message claiming the Otti Foundation is distributing ₦65,000 cash transfers. The government has unequivocally stated that this information is false and part of a fraudulent operation.

Gov Alex Otti 61st Birthday Celebration Cash Transfer – Gov Alex Otti Giving Out ₦65,000 to Nigerians… Powered by: Otti Foundation

— Fraudulent online messageThe text of the fake giveaway message circulating online.

According to Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, fraudsters are using messages that read, "Gov Alex Otti 61st Birthday Celebration Cash Transfer – Gov Alex Otti Giving Out ₦65,000 to Nigerians… Powered by: Otti Foundation." Ukoha stressed that there is no official program of this nature. He clarified that the Abia State Government, Governor Alex Otti, and the Alex Otti Foundation have not authorized, initiated, or endorsed any cash transfer or birthday giveaway of ₦65,000 through any website or link.

key facts” are that there is no official programme yet, and that the Abia State Government, the governor, and the Alex Otti Foundation have not authorised, initiated, or endorsed any cash transfer, birthday giveaway, or ₦65,000 payment through any website or link.

— Ukoha Njoku UkohaChief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, clarifying the government's stance on the alleged giveaway.

The government warned that these online sites are phishing websites, not official domains of the Abia State Government or the Alex Otti Foundation. Their primary purpose is to steal personal information, including bank details, BVN, OTPs, and money, from unsuspecting individuals. Clicking on these links or submitting personal data can lead to significant financial losses, identity theft, and unauthorized access to bank and mobile money accounts.

They are phishing sites designed to steal personal information, bank details, BVN, OTPs, and money from unsuspecting victims. Clicking the links or entering your details can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and unauthorised access to your bank and mobile money accounts.

— Ukoha Njoku UkohaExplaining the dangers and purpose of the fraudulent websites.

Citizens are strongly advised to ignore, avoid, and refrain from sharing the fraudulent message. They should not click on any associated links or provide any personal or financial information. The government reiterated that all official information and announcements are published exclusively through the official Abia State Government website and verified government social media channels.

Do not click the links or provide any personal or financial information.

— Ukoha Njoku UkohaAdvising the public on how to avoid falling victim to the scam.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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