CBN warns of rising fraud targeting bank accounts
Central Bank of Nigeria Issues Warning on Surge of Fraudulent Communications
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted the public to a significant increase in fraudulent messages and cyberattack attempts that target personal bank accounts.
In a statement released yesterday, CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, described these scams, which include emails, messages, and online content that falsely claim to be from the bank.
These communications aim to mislead recipients into clicking on malicious links and disseminating false information related to the bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to inform the public about the circulation of fraudulent messages and communications that purport to originate from or be associated with the Bank,” the statement noted. The bank emphasized that these messages are designed to deceive individuals and unlawfully access personal and financial information.
The CBN urged the public to refer only to its official website, www.cbn.gov.ng, for verified information. It advised individuals to refrain from clicking on suspicious links and to avoid sharing personal details on unverified platforms.
Additionally, the CBN encouraged the public to verify the authenticity of any communication attributed to the bank through its official website and recognized media outlets. It also called on individuals to report any suspected fraudulent messages, emails, or websites to law enforcement.
Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of the financial system, the CBN stated it is enhancing its cybersecurity measures in partnership with relevant agencies to protect Nigerians from digital fraud.
