The Management of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun in Delta, has drawn the attention of the public to the existing fake social media accounts created by cybercriminals, using the official name and portrait of Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, the Principal and Chief Executive of the Institute.

The Institute's Management disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Warri.

The management said: "It has come to our attention that unknown persons have created fake Facebook, Instagram, X formally Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts bearing the name, photographs, and official designation of Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji.

“These accounts are being used to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”

The management said that the criminals used the fake accounts to solicit money under the guise of processing admissions, job placements, or contracts.

It added that the fraudsters used the fake accounts to solicit for personal and financial information from staff, students, contractors, and the general public as well as disseminating misleading information purportedly from the office of the Principal/Chief Executive.

The management averred that Dr Onoji does not operate any personal Facebook account for official PTI business and had not authorized any individual or group to act on his behalf via social media.

It further said that Dr Onoji does not request money, gifts, or personal details from anyone through social media platforms.

The management disclosed that all official correspondence from PTI and its Principal/Chief Executive were channel through the under-listed verified social media handles:

“Website: www.pti.edu.ng;

Facebook Page: Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun;

X (Twitter) Handle: @PTINigeria and Email: principal_ce@pti.edu.ng / info@pti.edu.ng.”

The management urged the public to disregard any friend’s request, message, or post from accounts claiming to be Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji.

It advised the public not to fall prey by sending cash or disclosing personal/banking information to anyone claiming to represent the Principal/Chief Executive or the PTI on social media.

While expressing regrets over what this action may have caused members of the public, the management urged the public to report and block any suspicious account immediately.

It, however, advised the public to verify all PTI-related information through it’s official website or contact the Public Affairs Department of the Institute.