The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned that fraudulent messages and cyberattack attempts targeting personal bank accounts are rising across the country. In a statement issued yesterday, the apex bank said the scams use emails, messages and online content that falsely claim to originate from the CBN to deceive the public.
The alert, issued through Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, said the communications are designed to mislead recipients into clicking malicious links and to spread false information about the bank’s leadership, licensing and policy matters. The bank urged Nigerians to verify any communication attributed to it through official channels and to avoid sharing personal details on unverified platforms.
Nature and Methods of the Fraud
The Central Bank of Nigeria said the fraudulent messages, emails and online communications in circulation purport to originate from or be associated with the bank. According to the statement, the intent is to deceive individuals and gain unauthorised access to personal and financial information. Recipients are often prompted to click on links that can compromise devices or harvest sensitive data under the guise of official directives.
The apex bank has long cautioned that its protocols do not require customers to disclose passwords, personal identification numbers or detailed account information through unsolicited electronic messages. It noted that the latest wave of scams exploits public trust in financial institutions and relies on sophisticated social engineering to lower vigilance. Cybercriminals, the bank said, continue to adapt tactics quickly, making it essential for the public to scrutinise the source and content of every digital communication before taking action.
Verification and Public Guidance
The bank emphasised that its official website remains www.cbn.gov.ng and urged the public to rely only on verified channels for accurate information. It advised Nigerians to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal details on unverified platforms and to confirm the authenticity of any communication attributed to the CBN through its official website and recognised media outlets. The apex bank also called on the public to report any suspected fraudulent messages, emails or websites to law enforcement authorities promptly.
Reaffirming its commitment to financial system safety, the Central Bank of Nigeria said it is strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect Nigerians against digital fraud. The bank added that sustained public vigilance, combined with institutional safeguards, remains critical to limiting the reach and impact of such schemes. It pledged to continue monitoring emerging threats and updating defences to ensure the integrity of the country’s financial infrastructure.
