Fake ₦50,000 FG grant links: How Nigerians can protect their bank accounts

Fraudsters are circulating fake links on WhatsApp promising Nigerians ₦50,000 under the Federal Government’s relief programme, in an apparent attempt to steal personal and banking information from unsuspecting users. The fraudulent messages exploit the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), launched on October 30, 2026, to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households across Nigeria.

The government is working with five payment providers, including OPay, Moniepoint, MoMo PSB, ALAT by Wema Bank and NairaGram, to disburse the funds. Since the programme’s announcement, fraudulent messages promising the same ₦50,000 payment have circulated on WhatsApp, directing users to websites that request personal and banking information.

These messages often direct recipients to suspicious websites, asking them to complete various tasks before they can receive any money or grant. One woman shared her experience in a video, explaining how she clicked on a link after receiving numerous similar messages. The website instructed her to share it with five contacts, then ten more, before asking for her bank account details. After submitting her information, she was redirected to join a Telegram bot, which likely aimed to gather even more personal data.

A separate WhatsApp screenshot shows another version of the offer. It claims the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is giving a ₦50,000 grant to all Nigerians without requiring a BVN. The message directs users to a website called billnova.online.

The offer is misleading. The grant is not available to everyone, and the government does not ask people to register through links or forward messages to qualify. Beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. They are contacted through their designated payment providers.

How to avoid falling for fake FG grant links

Nigerians are being warned about a fraudulent scheme surrounding the ₦50,000 grant. The government has made it clear that there is no official link for public registration. If anyone is asking you to share a message, complete online tasks, join a Telegram group, or pay a fee to get this grant, they are not following the proper process.

If you are using OPay, look for an eligibility notification on the homepage of their official app, or you can check your status by dialing 95520# from your phone. OPay has advised customers to avoid clicking on unverified links and never share their PINs or one-time passwords.

Real messages about the NERSI payments will come from the official names of approved providers. These messages won’t include links and will never ask for your PIN, OTP, or BVN. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, it is best to reach out to the provider through their official customer service or call the program’s helpline at 0700-022-2222.

For those who have already shared their personal details, it is crucial to contact your bank or payment provider right away, especially if you have given out your PIN, OTP, password, or card information. Request that they secure your account, change any compromised information, and keep an eye on your transactions for any unauthorised activity.

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While sharing a bank account number alone does not give someone access to your funds, it can lead to further attempts at fraud, including unwanted calls and messages aimed at getting more sensitive information from you.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also raised concerns about scammers who create fake websites and messages that mimic trustworthy organisations to steal banking details. Nigerians are urged to verify such requests independently before trusting any links, even if they come from someone familiar.

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