The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) has issued a formal warning to the entire student community and prospective students following a rise in fraudulent activities and scams targeting individuals connected to the institution.

According to the security alert, scammers have been impersonating university officials, contacting students and aspirants with fake claims aimed at extorting money or extracting sensitive personal information.

How the Scam Works

A recent example circulating showed a scammer using a fake WhatsApp profile bearing the FUTO logo and labelled "ICT @ FUTO," sending unsolicited messages to an aspirant. The message falsely congratulated the recipient on being "admitted" into the university and asked them to reply with their JAMB Registration Number followed by the word "ACCEPT."

FUTO security alert on scam activities targeting students and aspirants

Following this, the scammer proceeded to demand a purported "Development Levy/Acceptance Fee" of ₦50,000, directing the victim to make payment into a personal bank account and to send proof of payment along with their full name and JAMB Registration Number in order to "accept" the admission on the FUTO portal.

The university has confirmed that this pattern of messaging is fraudulent and does not originate from any official university platform.

Official Clarification from the University

To protect students and aspirants from falling victim to such scams, the university has clarified the official position on two key units frequently impersonated by fraudsters:

1. FUTO ICT Directorate

The FUTO ICT Directorate will never call or send unsolicited messages to students requesting money, personal information, passwords, OTPs, or payment in connection with examination or portal-related complications.

2. University Admissions Unit

The University Admissions Unit will never call or send unsolicited messages to students or aspirants requesting money or personal information in relation to admission matters.

Advisory to Students and Aspirants

In light of this development, students and prospective students have been strongly advised to:

  • Verify any information received through unofficial channels before taking any action or making any payment.
  • Never disclose passwords, OTPs, PINs, or other confidential information to anyone claiming to be a university official, regardless of how convincing the message may appear.
  • Be suspicious of any message demanding urgent payment to "accept" or "confirm" an admission, especially when directed to a personal bank account rather than an official university payment channel.
  • Confirm admission status only through the official FUTO portal and JAMB CAPS, and make payments only through recognised university payment channels such as Remita.
  • Report any suspicious messages or scam attempts to relevant university authorities or security agencies.

Why This Matters

Admission and examination periods often see a spike in scam activity, as fraudsters take advantage of the anxiety and urgency felt by students and aspirants during these times. The university's proactive warning is aimed at curbing losses and protecting the university community from impersonation-based fraud.

Students and aspirants are urged to stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay guided, verifying every official-sounding message before responding or making any payment.