By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has warned Nigerians against fake messages and online portals asking people to apply for a purported Federal Government ₦50,000 relief payment, cautioning that such links could be used to steal personal and banking information.

The warning was contained in a notice dated November 5, 2026, issued by the PCRC National Headquarters, Abuja, and signed electronically by Arakunrin Badmus Omoniyi Saburi, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategies to the PCRC National Chairman.

According to the PCRC, beneficiaries of the ongoing ₦50,000 relief disbursement by the Federal Government through NERSI and Opay and MoMo accounts are selected directly by the agency and are not required to apply through links circulated on WhatsApp.

“Please be very careful and weary of fake information going around about empowerment cash portals and unnecessary links asking you to apply for cash,” the committee warned.

The PCRC said beneficiaries should not believe messages claiming that the relief could be accessed by randomly forwarding messages, filling online forms or registering through portals shared on social media platforms.

“Concerning the ongoing Federal Government’s ₦50,000 relief disbursement by NERSI through Opay and Momo accounts, please note that beneficiaries are chosen directly by the agency,” it said.

The committee urged members of the public to protect their banking information and avoid clicking unfamiliar links, stressing that legitimate beneficiaries would not be required to pay money to receive the relief.

“Do not click any strange link. Do not share your OTP, PIN, BVN or bank details with anyone. Do not pay any money to anybody to get the money,” the PCRC warned.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and share the warning with others to prevent unsuspecting Nigerians from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.