Akume Raises the Alarm Over Voice Cloning, Appointment Scam Syndicate
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has raised a red flag over the activities of a sophisticated criminal syndicate allegedly cloning his voice and impersonating high-profile individuals to defraud unsuspecting citizens with promises of federal government appointments.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, the SGF disclosed that fraudsters have successfully cloned his voice and are using it to contact influential individuals, falsely offering them government positions in exchange for money.
“From information available to the office, the fraudsters cloned the voice of the SGF, using it to solicit money in return for federal appointments,”
The statement read.
Akume categorically distanced himself from the activities of the scammers, stating that neither he nor his office has authorized any such communications or transactions. He further revealed that the criminal syndicate has also cloned the phone numbers of top-ranking officials and other prominent Nigerians to lend credibility to their fraudulent claims.
He described the development as not only disturbing but a grave national concern, warning the public to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious interactions to the appropriate authorities.
“The modus operandi of the scammers involves informing their targets that they have been selected for Federal Government appointments.
They then demand payment to supposedly fast-track the process,” the statement explained.
According to Akume, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been inundated with inquiries from members of the public who have received suspicious calls or messages from individuals claiming to represent him or the office.
He urged Nigerians to be wary of anyone soliciting payments or personal details in exchange for federal appointments, adding that all legitimate government appointments follow a transparent and verifiable process and do not require the payment of money.
The SGF called on security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators of this cyber-enabled fraud and bringing them to justice. He also appealed to the media and the public to assist in spreading awareness about the fraudulent scheme to prevent more victims from falling prey.
“This is a serious matter of national importance. We must collectively fight these criminal elements who are not only tarnishing reputations but also exploiting the hopes of ordinary Nigerians,” Akume said.
