PTI Alerts Relevant Stakeholders and General Public of Fraudsters Using Social Media to Impersonate Principal

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has issued a strong public warning to stakeholders and members of the general public over the activities of cybercriminals who are currently using various social media platforms to impersonate the Principal and Chief Executive of the institution.

In an official disclaimer, the management of Petroleum Training Institute expressed serious concern over the proliferation of fake accounts created on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, all bearing the name and identity of the PTI Principal. The institute described the development as fraudulent, misleading, and capable of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

According to the management, these impersonators are using the cloned identities to reach out to individuals, organizations, and stakeholders under false pretences, often requesting personal information, financial assistance, or participation in non-existent official programmes. PTI stressed that neither the Principal nor any authorized representative engages in such communications via private social media messages.

The institution firmly disassociated itself from all unofficial online accounts, emphasizing that the only legitimate communication channels are those officially verified and published through PTI’s recognized website and corporate communication platforms. It warned the public to disregard any suspicious messages or friend requests allegedly originating from the Principal or senior officials of the institute.

PTI further urged members of the public, staff, students, and industry partners to exercise heightened caution and verify any information before taking action. The management also encouraged victims or targets of such fraudulent activity to promptly report to the appropriate security agencies or social media platforms for investigation and possible prosecution.

The institute noted that cyber fraud has become a growing threat to public institutions and warned that perpetrators, once identified, will be prosecuted under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its image, protecting stakeholders, and ensuring that criminals do not exploit the institution’s reputation for personal gain.

Reiterating its position, PTI called on the public to remain vigilant and rely solely on official announcements to avoid falling victim to online scams. The management assured that it is working closely with relevant authorities to track and dismantle the fake accounts as part of ongoing digital security measures.

The Petroleum Training Institute concluded by reaffirming its dedication to transparency, professionalism, and public trust, while urging everyone to treat any unofficial online interaction in the name of the Principal or the institution with extreme caution.