Scammers impersonate Access Holdings chairman with fake investment Scheme on WhatsApp

Fraudsters are impersonating Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, group chairman of Access Holdings Plc, in a fraudulent WhatsApp investment scheme targeting unsuspecting members of the public.

The Witness gathered that the scammers are operating a WhatsApp group named “Value Focus Club 60”, using the phone number +234 915 708 8290 and the chairman’s photograph to appear credible while sharing false investment information and soliciting funds.

We learned the perpetrators present the platform as an exclusive investment forum, leveraging the identity of the Access Holdings chairman to gain trust.

A senior executive of Access Holdings who spoke with our correspondent said the scheme reflects a growing pattern of cybercriminals impersonating high-profile corporate figures to defraud the public.

He stressed that neither Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede nor Access Holdings operates any WhatsApp-based investment platform or offers investment advice through such channels.

According to him, “The fraudulent activity was initially flagged by a whistleblower online, triggering internal attention and efforts to curb its spread.

“Members of the public have been advised to exercise caution, avoid engaging with the group, and refrain from sharing personal or financial information with unknown contacts.

“We are also working with WhatsApp to take down the fraudulent account and prevent further misuse of its identity.”

The executive also revealed that efforts are ongoing to track those behind the scheme, as authorities and relevant stakeholders intensify actions against rising digital fraud.