The Military Pension Board, MPB, has warned military retirees and their families to be alert to fraudulent schemes aimed at stealing their personal and banking information under the pretext of processing pension benefits.
The board raised concerns over what it described as an identity theft operation targeting pensioners and next of kin across the country.
According to the board, fraudsters posing as pension officials and agents have been attempting to obtain sensitive information such as Bank Verification Numbers, BVNs, National Identification Numbers, NINs, bank account details and ATM card information from unsuspecting retirees.
In a statement issued by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Mohammed, the Military Pension Board disclosed that it had received several reports involving individuals requesting confidential information from pensioners.
“The Board has received reports that some individuals are demanding personal details such as Bank Verification Numbers, National Identification Numbers, bank account details, ATM card information and other confidential data,” the statement said.
The board strongly advised pensioners not to disclose such information to unauthorised individuals, groups or online platforms.
It stressed that the Military Pension Board does not engage third parties to collect personal or banking information for the processing of pensions, gratuities, loans or other related benefits.
“The Military Pensions Board does not engage third parties to collect pensioners’ personal or banking information for the purpose of processing loans, pension payments, gratuities or any other benefits,” the statement added.
The board urged retirees and their relatives to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious requests or activities to the appropriate authorities.
It also warned that any request for sensitive information from unofficial sources should be treated with caution to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
