By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has issued a strong warning to military retirees and next of kin (NOKs) over the growing activities of fraudsters posing as officials or agents offering pension-related services.
The Board cautioned pensioners against disclosing sensitive personal and financial information to unauthorized persons seeking to exploit them through fraudulent schemes.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer of the MPB, Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed, said the Board had received reports of individuals contacting pensioners under various pretexts, including promises to facilitate loans, fast-track benefit payments, or provide financial assistance.
According to him, the fraudsters often request confidential information such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN), bank account details, ATM card information and other personal records.
Mohammed stressed that the Military Pensions Board does not engage agents, consultants or third parties to collect personal or banking details from pensioners for the processing of pensions, gratuities, loans or any other entitlements.
He urged retirees and their next of kin to treat any unsolicited request for such information with suspicion and immediately report such incidents to relevant authorities.
“The Board has received reports that some individuals are demanding sensitive information from pensioners under false pretences. Pensioners are strongly advised not to disclose their BVN, NIN, bank account details, ATM information or any other confidential data to unauthorized persons,” he stated.
The spokesman further advised pensioners to conduct all transactions relating to their pensions and benefits exclusively through official Military Pensions Board channels and designated contact points.
He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of military retirees, noting that efforts were being intensified in collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies to curb fraudulent activities targeting pensioners.
The MPB also encouraged retirees and NOKs to remain vigilant and verify any communication purportedly originating from the Board before taking action.
The Board assured pensioners that legitimate pension processes would always be communicated through recognized official platforms and not through informal intermediaries.
It reiterated its resolve to safeguard pensioners from financial exploitation while ensuring the efficient administration of military pension benefits across the country.
