SCAM ALERT: CBN Warns Public Against Fake Messages, Rising Cyber Fraud Attempts
Oru Leonard
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.
In a statement issued by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the bank said the misleading messages are designed to deceive the public, spread false information, and compromise personal data.
According to the CBN, the fraudulent communications often prompt recipients to click malicious links and contain inaccurate claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions, with the ultimate aim of hacking personal and financial accounts.
The bank emphasized that its official website remains the only verified digital platform for its communications and urged Nigerians to exercise caution when engaging with online content linked to the institution.
It advised members of the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from sharing sensitive information on unverified platforms, and always confirm the authenticity of any CBN-related message through official channels and credible media outlets.
The apex bank also encouraged the public to report any suspected fraudulent messages or websites to relevant law enforcement agencies for prompt investigation.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the financial system, the CBN said it is strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies to curb digital fraud and safeguard Nigerians.
