Police Probe Fake SMS Scheme, Caution Nigerians

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IGPnew 600The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday said it has commenced investigation into the activities of a company circulating online and unsolicited SMS to members of the public posing as agents of the Force, with a view to establishing the persons, institutions and other circumstances surrounding the spurious and suspicious messages, some of which request citizens to dial a short-code number so as to obtain information on general and specific
security issues, among other things.
A statement by Force Spokesman ,Frank Mba said “One of the messages currently in circulation reads ‘The Nigeria Police is aware of fake men, posing as real Policemen! Avoid falling prey. Dial 7411 now to get ways in identifying real Policemen. Call charges N50 per minute’. The company also encourages people to reach them in case of emergency/distress and also pass confidential information through them to the Nigeria Police.”

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state categorically that it has neither commissioned any person or group of persons to receive distress calls or information on its behalf nor has it
outsourced such duties to any organization. The Force wishes the public to also note that most of the information being provided by this organization about the Nigeria Police are false and totally misleading, with the capacity of undermining national security, the image of the Force and current efforts at combating crimes and criminality. The activities of this group are also suspected to be part of calculated plans to fleece innocent Nigerians of their hard earned income through the exorbitant charge of N50.00 per minute”,Mba said
He added that “Members of the public are therefore advised to refrain from relating with this organization or responding to GSM messages and other online publications emanating from them regarding the Nigeria Police Force.

“Citizens in distress should call the local Police phone numbers while anyone with credible information should provide same to a Senior Police Officer in the Police Station closest to
him. Members of the public are further requested to visit www.npf.gov.ng for any information or clarification regarding the Nigeria Police Force, which are provided at no cost to the public” Mba said.

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