The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned the public about a sharp increase in fraudulent messages and emails designed to steal personal banking information. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, said scammers are sending deceptive communications crafted to harvest sensitive details and spread false information about the bank’s leadership and operations.
The fraudulent messages often urge recipients to click on suspicious links and provide confidential information under the guise of official directives. The CBN emphasized that these scams are intended to compromise personal accounts by exploiting trust in the bank’s name.
The bank stressed that its only official website is www.cbn.gov.ng and advised the public to verify any communication through authorized channels. It warned Nigerians against engaging with unverified links or sharing personal and financial information on dubious platforms, noting that such actions could expose them to cyber fraud.
The CBN also urged members of the public to report suspicious messages, emails, or websites to appropriate law enforcement agencies. The apex bank reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the financial system and said it is enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with security agencies to curb digital financial crimes.
This warning comes amid growing concerns over the rise in online scams targeting bank customers across Nigeria. The CBN’s alert highlights the importance of vigilance and caution when dealing with unsolicited communications claiming to be from official sources.
