Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has said it received reports of fake special intervention approval letters, presented to heads of beneficiary institutions by fraudulent individuals posing as representatives of the fund.
The fund also warned heads of institutions to be wary and independently confirm transactions with TETFund.
Acting Director (Public Affairs), Abdulmumin Oniyangi, who disclosed this, yesterday, in Abuja, said security agencies have been informed and arrests have been made.
He said: “TETFund has, in recent times, witnessed surge in activities of fraudulent individuals and groups who devise all sorts of means to defraud stakeholders and unsuspecting members of the public, in the name of the fund.
“Also prevalent, is attempt by certain individuals and groups to malign the leadership of the fund and disrupt its determination not to succumb to frivolous requests, which are grossly in violation of the agency’s mandate.”
He said: “The fund has also received various reports about the activities of some nefarious individuals/groups who attempt to commit fraud using the name and profile of the Executive Secretary in operating fake social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with claims of providing TETFund jobs to unsuspecting members of the public.
“We have repeatedly and consistently warned that the Executive Secretary is not on any of these social media platforms and does not transact any kind of business on them.
“There have also been reports of fraudulent claims of payment of grants and award of scholarships to Nigerian students. This is usually circulated on social media platforms with a link that directs victims to fraudulent websites. It is also intended to create disaffection among students towards the fund.
“Reports of fake employment opportunities advertised online have also become rampant, and the fund has been active in dispelling such.”
