The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has raised alarm over the activities of individuals fraudulently posing as the agency's Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, in an apparent attempt to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The agency warned that the scammers are allegedly using the Director-General's name and identity to solicit money, favors, and other forms of financial assistance from individuals, businesses, and stakeholders.
SON has urged Nigerians to exercise caution and report suspicious communications to relevant authorities.
What Happened
According to the agency, reports emerged indicating that fraudsters have been impersonating the Director-General through phone calls, text messages, social media accounts, and other communication channels.
The individuals allegedly claim to represent the SON chief and request financial support, business transactions, donations, or other forms of monetary assistance.
In response, the organization issued a public disclaimer distancing its leadership from such activities and emphasizing that neither the Director-General nor the agency solicits funds from members of the public through unofficial channels.
Officials urged anyone contacted under such circumstances to disregard the requests and verify any suspicious communication through official SON channels. 

 Rising Cases of Identity Fraud
Identity theft and impersonation scams have become increasingly common across Nigeria and many parts of the world.
Fraudsters often exploit the names of prominent government officials, corporate executives, religious leaders, and public figures to gain credibility and manipulate victims into making payments.
Advancements in digital communication have made it easier for criminals to create fake profiles, clone social media accounts, and use deceptive messaging tactics.
Cybersecurity experts note that impersonation scams frequently rely on urgency, emotional manipulation, or claims of official authority to pressure victims into acting quickly without verification.
Government agencies have repeatedly warned citizens to verify information before responding to requests involving money or sensitive personal details.
SON's Role in Nigeria
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria is the federal agency responsible for standardization and quality assurance of products and services in Nigeria.
The organization plays a critical role in developing standards, certifying products, monitoring compliance, and protecting consumers from substandard goods.
Over the years, SON has intensified efforts to combat counterfeit products and improve quality standards across various sectors of the economy.
Given its regulatory responsibilities and public visibility, the agency's leadership is often a target for impersonation attempts by fraudsters seeking to exploit public trust.
How Scammers Operate
Security analysts explain that impersonation scams generally follow a predictable pattern.
Fraudsters may:
Claim to be senior government officials.
Use fake photographs and forged identities.
Create counterfeit social media profiles.
Request urgent financial assistance.
Offer fake contracts or business opportunities.
Demand processing fees for nonexistent services.
Solicit donations for fraudulent causes.
The goal is often to convince victims that the request is genuine before obtaining money or sensitive information.
Experts warn that scammers continuously adapt their methods, making public awareness an essential defense.
Public Advisory
SON has advised members of the public to take the following precautions:
Verify Communications
Always confirm the authenticity of messages, calls, or emails claiming to originate from government officials or agencies.
Avoid Unverified Payments
Do not transfer money or provide financial support based solely on phone calls, text messages, or social media communications.
Report Suspicious Activity
Individuals who encounter suspected fraud attempts should report them to law enforcement agencies and relevant government authorities.
Protect Personal Information
Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial details with unknown individuals online or over the phone.
Use Official Channels
Members of the public should rely on officially recognized communication platforms when interacting with government institutions.
Reactions and Concerns
Consumer protection advocates have welcomed SON's warning, describing it as a timely reminder of the growing threat posed by digital fraud.
Security experts stress that public vigilance remains one of the most effective tools in combating scams.
Many Nigerians have fallen victim to impersonation schemes in recent years, resulting in financial losses and emotional distress.
Analysts say increased awareness campaigns and stronger cybersecurity measures will be necessary to address the evolving tactics used by fraudsters.
Impact on Public Trust
Impersonation scams can damage confidence in public institutions when fraudsters misuse the identities of government officials.
Experts argue that rapid public disclosures and transparent communication are essential in preventing misinformation and protecting institutional credibility.
By issuing the warning, SON aims to ensure that stakeholders can distinguish legitimate communications from fraudulent schemes.
The agency also hopes to reduce the likelihood of unsuspecting citizens becoming victims of financial fraud.

SON is expected to continue monitoring reports of impersonation and collaborate with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Law enforcement authorities may investigate complaints linked to the scam and take action against individuals found to be involved.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are encouraged to remain cautious and verify all requests involving money, official favors, or personal information.
Public awareness is likely to remain a key component of efforts to combat identity-related fraud across the country.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria's warning highlights the persistent threat posed by fraudsters who exploit the names of public officials to deceive citizens.
As digital communication continues to expand, vigilance, verification, and public awareness remain crucial tools in preventing financial scams.
SON's advisory serves as an important reminder that official government representatives do not solicit personal funds through unofficial channels, and any such requests should be treated with caution and reported to the appropriate authorities