The Bank of Industry (BoI) has issued a cautionary statement advising the public to be wary of grant application messages circulating on social media platforms bearing its name.
Clarifying its position, BoI emphasized that it does not offer grants but provides business loans to eligible applicants.
In the statement, BoI labeled the messages as fraudulent scams and stressed that it has no association, direct or indirect, with the individuals or groups disseminating them.
The Bank highlighted a specific message directing individuals to visit a particular address in Calabar for image capturing to process their grant application, describing it as a deceptive tactic used by fraudsters.
Reiterating its stance, BoI affirmed that it does not engage in grant distribution and has not authorized any agency or organization to do so on its behalf.
BoI cautioned individuals against falling prey to such fraudulent schemes, emphasizing that any engagement with the perpetrators is done at the individual’s own risk.
Furthermore, BoI reiterated its commitment to supporting genuine Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of its efforts to stimulate national economic recovery and growth.
The Bank urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or solicitations to the appropriate authorities.
