Prison Service cautions citizens about scam opportunities, outlines bidding guidelines

The Nigerian Correctional Service has taken a proactive stance against the proliferation of fake documents designed to deceive individuals with promises of government contracts, issuing a public warning to alert citizens to this emerging threat.

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These scammers are using a document labeled "Payment/Mobilisation Request Form" to swindle victims, falsely asserting a connection to contract awards, according to the service.

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In a statement released on Saturday, Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, J.N. Osuji, clarified that the document in question did not originate from the Nigerian Correctional Service.

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The agency emphasized its commitment to adhering to Federal Government regulations and established procedures in procurement and contract matters, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability.

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The Nigerian Correctional Service explicitly stated that the document did not come from them, and that they operate in strict accordance with Federal Government regulations and established due process in all procurement and contract-related matters.

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The service also highlighted that it never requests, demands, or accepts upfront payments, mobilisation fees, or any form of financial inducement from individuals or contractors, emphasizing the need for citizens to be cautious.

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Fraudsters have been impersonating senior officials on social media platforms, issuing fake contract offers and directing victims to deposit funds into private bank accounts, in a deliberate attempt to exploit unsuspecting citizens.

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The Nigerian Correctional Service has issued a public advisory, urging Nigerians to exercise caution and verify information before taking any action, in an effort to protect the public from these scams.

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The advisory instructed members of the public to disregard unsolicited contract offers from unofficial or unverified sources and to refrain from making payments for supposed government contracts or approvals.

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The Nigerian Correctional Service stressed the importance of reporting suspected fraudulent activities to law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force.

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According to the statement, anyone who encounters such fraudulent schemes or has been affected is urged to report immediately to the relevant law enforcement agencies, to ensure prompt action is taken.

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The Nigerian Correctional Service is actively collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate these fraudulent activities and ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

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The notice concluded by highlighting the Service's commitment to public safety and transparency, and reinforced the importance of vigilance and awareness in safeguarding citizens against scams and fraudulent schemes.