The Bauchi State Police Command has issued a warning to traders and foreign exchange dealers in the state to be cautious of fraudsters who are allegedly using counterfeit US dollars to defraud members of the public. This warning was made by the command's spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement released on Wednesday. Habib stated that the police had observed a resurgence of scammers in the state who are using fake dollars to deceive unsuspecting victims.
According to Habib, the police have arrested two suspects within the week in connection with alleged counterfeit dollar-related fraud. One of the suspects, who traveled from Lagos to Bauchi, allegedly defrauded a man of more than N4 million before assaulting him. The police spokesperson did not provide further details about the suspects or the incidents, but emphasized that the command is taking the issue seriously.
Bauchi had previously experienced similar cases involving people using counterfeit dollars to defraud victims, but security agencies had succeeded in driving the perpetrators away. However, Habib said that the scammers have now returned to the state, prompting the police to raise the alarm and warn the public to be vigilant. The police command is urging residents to be cautious when dealing with foreign currency and to use only approved financial institutions.
Habib warned members of the public against being lured by unusually cheap offers, saying that the desire to obtain goods or foreign currency at a lower price could expose people to criminals operating outside approved locations. He emphasized that people should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and to verify the authenticity of foreign currency before exchanging it.
The police spokesperson said that foreign currency could legally be exchanged through authorised channels, including commercial banks and licensed Bureau de Change operators. He urged residents to use approved financial institutions and licensed foreign exchange dealers when exchanging foreign currencies to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
Habib's warning comes as a reminder to residents of the importance of being cautious when dealing with foreign currency. The police command is urging everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The command is also working to ensure that those responsible for the scams are brought to justice.
The Bauchi State Police Command is taking steps to prevent further incidents of counterfeit dollar-related fraud in the state. Residents are advised to follow the police's advice and use only approved channels for exchanging foreign currency. The police will continue to work to protect the public from scammers and ensure that the state remains safe.
Key points
- The Bauchi State Police Command has warned traders and foreign exchange dealers to be vigilant against fraudsters using counterfeit US dollars.
- The police have arrested two suspects in connection with alleged counterfeit dollar-related fraud.
- Residents are urged to use approved financial institutions and licensed foreign exchange dealers when exchanging foreign currencies.
