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Claim: A viral WhatsApp message claims that the 2024 portal for the Ondo State Soft Loan application is open.
Verdict: DUBAWA’s findings reveal that the message contains a phishing link. The state government has also described this viral message as fake.
Full Text
As part of efforts to alleviate the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly small business owners, some state governments have introduced financial support initiatives. Among these is the Ondo State government’s recent launch of a N220 million soft loan scheme for artisans and entrepreneurs to ease the burden of the economic downturn.
On Sept. 30, 2024, the state government announced the initiative on its official website under the headline “Ondo Govt begins disbursement of N220m soft loan to artisan groups and MSMEs.“
According to a report by The PUNCH, the Chairman of the State Micro Credit Agency, Adenike Ademujimi, explained that the disbursement would occur in batches to various groups and associations, emphasising timely repayment.
However, a WhatsApp message has recently circulated, claiming that the 2024 online registration for this soft loan is now available for artisans and business owners in the state. The message, which has been forwarded multiple times, asserts that only these groups are eligible to apply.
The message reads: “ONDO GOVT COMMENCES DISBURSEMENT OF N220M TO BUSINESS OWNERS AND ARTISANT MSMES. The 2024 online registration exercise, which is the quickest way to apply, is now out for all business owners and artisans in the state. Check Eligibility and Apply here https://cut-ly.com/grant-apply-portal. Strictly for Artisan and Business Owner”
DUBAWA decided to verify this claim to prevent the public from dubious links.
Verification
DUBAWA examined the circulating message and discovered that the linked website asks users to submit personal details, such as name, phone number, Local Government Area, and occupation.
Afterwards, users are shown an image of Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Olaide Adelami, holding a dummy cheque for the loan. Users are then prompted to “validate” their bank account details on the second page.
“Your Application for the ongoing Ndo government commences disbursement of N220m soft loan to MSMEs is now in process. Kindly Validate Your details to proceed to the next step. Note!!! The Number Of Applicants is limited,” the follow-up message read.
We observed that even when random and invalid information was entered, DUBAWA was able to proceed to the next step. The website then encouraged users to share the link with five WhatsApp groups or 15 friends to complete the application process. This is a major characteristic of phishing websites.
Following this step, users were informed that they had successfully qualified for the grant and were directed to a “payment form” page, with the promise of receiving a confirmation email within 24 hours.
“Mass Communication is Registered as your Account Number. Congratulations, You are qualified to benefit from the N220 Million To Artisan And Small Scale Business Owners.
How to proceed: 1. Share it with 5 groups or 15 friends on WhatsApp (Click on the “SHARE” icon below). 2. You will be redirected automatically to our “PAYMENT FORM” page after the GREEN verification bar is filled. 3. You will receive a confirmation Email Within 24 hours, after Successful Application.”
The website link encourages users to “apply now” and share it widely, perpetuating the scam.
Further investigation into the URL using website analytical tools like Spyonweb and Whois revealed that the site was created via Contact Privacy Inc. in Toronto on Aug. 2, 2024. The site’s status is marked as “prohibited,” indicating it is not legitimate.
DUBAWA also observed several typographical errors, such as “Detal” instead of “Detail” and “ndo” instead of “Ondo.”
In response to the link, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, refuted it in a WhatsApp message to this fact-checker, stating simply, “This is fake.”
Conclusion
The claim that a 2024 Ondo State soft loan application portal is open is FALSE. The circulating message is linked to a phishing website designed to collect personal information and mislead users.
