Federal Polytechnic Oil and Gas Bonny Issues Fraud Warning: Beware Fake Admission Agents

The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Rivers State has issued a public warning about fraudsters claiming to facilitate admissions for prospective students. The institution's management emphasized that it has never and will never outsource admission processing to third parties.

Identified Fraudster

The polytechnic has identified a specific individual engaged in fraudulent activities:

Suspect Details:

• Facebook name: Solomon Abuchi
• Phone number: 08114661984
• Money point account: 8114661984 (registered under name Felix Ekomhen)

This individual has been contacting prospective students on social media, promising guaranteed admission in exchange for fees paid into the specified account.

The Admission Fraud Pattern

Here's how these scams typically work:

1. Initial Contact: Fraudster reaches out via Facebook, WhatsApp, or phone, claiming to work for the polytechnic or have "connections" in the admissions office
2. False Promises: Guarantees admission regardless of JAMB score or qualifications
3. Urgency Tactics: Creates artificial deadlines to pressure victims into quick payments
4. Payment Request: Demands money be sent to personal accounts, not official school accounts
5. Disappearance: After payment, either disappears completely or continues demanding more money for "processing fees," "verification fees," etc.

Official Admission Process

The Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny follows standard federal polytechnic admission procedures:

1. Candidates apply through JAMB for ND programmes
2. Institution conducts Post-UTME screening (if applicable)
3. Merit lists are compiled based on JAMB scores, O'level results, and screening performance
4. Admission lists are released through JAMB CAPS
5. School fees are paid into official institutional accounts AFTER admission is confirmed

No one should be paying money to individuals or unofficial accounts before receiving official admission through JAMB.

How to Verify Legitimate Information

To avoid falling victim to admission fraud:

• Visit the Official Website: Get information directly from the polytechnic's official website
• Contact the School Directly: Call or visit the admissions office during working hours
• Check JAMB First: All federal polytechnic admissions are processed through JAMB CAPS
• Verify Bank Accounts: Only pay fees into accounts bearing the institution's official name
• Be Suspicious of Guarantees: No legitimate school employee guarantees admission for payment
• Report Fraud Attempts: Forward suspicious messages to the institution's PRO or security office

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary if someone:

• Guarantees admission without seeing your credentials
• Asks for payment to personal accounts
• Requests payment via mobile money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards
• Cannot provide an official institutional email address or staff ID
• Pressures you to make immediate payment to "secure your slot"
• Communicates only through social media or personal phone numbers

What to Do if You've Been Scammed

If you've already sent money to a suspected fraudster:

1. Immediately contact your bank to attempt transaction reversal
2. File a report at your local police station
3. Report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
4. Notify the polytechnic's management so they can warn others
5. Gather all evidence (messages, bank receipts, phone numbers)

Official Contact

This warning was issued by Anthony Ogbe, Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny. For legitimate admission inquiries, contact the institution through official channels published on their website.

Protecting yourself from admission fraud starts with understanding that legitimate institutions never solicit payments through personal accounts or guarantee admission for fees.