Money offers that are too good to be true

If it sounds too good to be true, it is

Nobody gives free money to strangers. Real investments do not double your money in a week.

Scammers know that many people are struggling. So they offer quick help or quick profit.

Common offers

• Investments: “Put in ₦50,000, collect ₦150,000 in 7 days.”
• Grants: “The government has approved ₦200,000 for you. Pay ₦5,000 processing fee.”
• Giveaways: “You have won a new phone. Just pay for delivery.”
• Doubling schemes: early members are paid with new members’ money, until the whole thing collapses.

The warning signs

• You must pay a fee before you can receive money. Real grants don’t charge.
• Big profit, fast, with “no risk”.
• “Only today” or “only a few slots left”.
• Other people in the group say they got paid. They may be part of the scam.

Check before you pay

If someone at the market offered you a bag of rice for ₦500, you would ask, “What is wrong with it?” Ask the same question about money offers.

Talk to someone you trust, ideally someone who understands money. For a government programme, ask at your local government office in person.

If someone tells you not to tell your family, walk away.