In 2026, the "Grant Scam" has evolved. Scammers no longer just send clumsy text messages; they build high-end websites that look exactly like official government portals (like the FG ₦50k Grant or SMEDAN portals). If you aren't careful, you’ll hand over your NIN, BVN, and bank details in seconds.
Here is how to spot the fraud using the "3-Second Rule."
Second 1: The Domain Check (The TLD Swap)
Official Nigerian government websites must end in .gov.ng.
Real:
grants.fedmin.gov.ngFake:
fg-grant-portal.com,smedan-benefits.online, ornigeria-grants.top. If you see .com, .online, .site, or .xyz, close the tab immediately. No federal grant in Nigeria is hosted on a commercial domain.
Second 2: The "Immediate Action" Pressure
Look for a countdown timer or a message saying, "Only 500 slots left! Apply now before 12:00 PM." Government grants are administrative processes, not flash sales. Real grants have a set application window of weeks or months. If the website is trying to make you panic, it’s a scam designed to stop you from thinking clearly.
Second 3: The "WhatsApp Share" Requirement
This is the ultimate red flag. If the website says, "To proceed, share this link with 10 WhatsApp groups," it is 100% a scam. Official portals use secure servers and email verification. They don't need you to do their "marketing" via WhatsApp. This "sharing" is just a way for the scam to go viral and find more victims.
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