Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, Chairman of the Delta State Bureau for Pensions, has raised concerns about a fraudulent scheme targeting pensioners in the state.

In an interview with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Ogidi-Gbegbaje revealed that numerous pensioners have reported receiving suspicious calls from individuals claiming to facilitate quick payment of their gratuities and benefits in exchange for money.

Ogidi-Gbegbaje emphasized that these individuals are not affiliated with the Bureau and warned pensioners to be cautious of such scams.

He stressed that the Bureau does not require pensioners to pay any fees to receive their entitlements and benefits.

The Pensions board chairman warned pensioners to be vigilant and cautious of scammers, urging them not to fall victim to fraudulent schemes under any circumstances.

A statement titled ‘Public Notice’, signed by Ogidi-Gbegbaje and obtained by SaharaReporters, reads, “The Delta State Bureau for Pensions wishes to inform the general public, particularly unsuspecting pensioners of the state, that the Bureau is in receipt of reports indicating that certain fraudulent individuals are placing calls to pensioners and demanding money from them to facilitate the payment of their pension benefits.

“Kindly note that such calls are not emanating from the Bureau. Therefore, we urge all pensioners in the state to be wary of such calls from scammers, bearing in mind that pension benefits are processed and paid without any form of demand for inducement by the Bureau.

“In the event of such calls, do not provide any personal information or make any payment. Instead, forward the caller’s phone number to 07085900707 for onward transmission to the security agencies for investigation and necessary deterrent action.

“In the same vein, persons involved in this unscrupulous act are advised to desist forthwith or be ready to face the long arm of the law. All pensioners are equally advised to be vigilant and protect their rights.”