NERSI N50,000: Six scam messages Nigerians should delete immediately

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has warned Nigerians to delete fake NERSI messages promising N50,000 payments. The ministry says fraudsters are using the messages to steal personal and banking details.

Genuine NERSI beneficiaries are identified through the National Social Register and verified national identity records. There is no public application portal, and no individual or agent can influence selection or charge anyone to receive the support.

The six scam messages to watch

First, fake WhatsApp links ask recipients to confirm eligibility through an attached link. Genuine notifications come only from approved payment providers.

Second, fake websites prompt users to fill registration forms and submit names, phone numbers and bank details. NERSI operates no public application process.

Third, scammers pose as satisfied beneficiaries and urge people to click and share links with friends and family. This spreads fraudulent websites through WhatsApp.

Fourth, some fake platforms claim a payment is on hold until the visitor shares a link with five WhatsApp groups or 15 contacts.

Fifth, victims are asked to pay registration, activation or withdrawal charges before money is released. The government says the support is entirely free.

Sixth, SMS messages from unfamiliar senders claim that N50,000 or even N500,000 has been disbursed. They direct recipients to links to activate wallets or transfer funds.

How genuine payments come

The federal government named five authorised payment providers for genuine NERSI beneficiary notifications. They are ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

After consenting through their designated provider, recipients have the funds credited to their mobile wallets.

What to do

The ministry urged Nigerians never to share their Bank Verification Number, personal identification number, one-time password or banking passwords with anyone claiming to facilitate payment.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message should avoid clicking links, sharing personal details or sending money. Nigerians can call the NERSI helpdesk on 0700-022-2222 to verify any claim related to the programme.

The warning matters for consumers and businesses as NERSI payments draw attention. Fraudsters often use government grant names to push phishing links and fee demands, so checking only approved providers and the helpdesk can reduce exposure.