The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians of a rising wave of fraudulent messages and cyber-attack attempts targeting unsuspecting members of the public, urging greater caution in digital interactions.
The warning was issued in a statement released late Tuesday by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, who disclosed that the apex bank had observed an increase in misleading communications falsely linked to it.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to alert members of the public to the circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications purporting to originate from or be associated with the Bank, which are intended to misinform the public,” the statement read.
According to the bank, the fraudulent messages are designed to trick recipients into disclosing sensitive personal and financial information, often by clicking on malicious links or believing false claims about the institution’s operations.
“These messages prompt recipients to click suspicious links, spread false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, and are intended to compromise personal accounts,” it added.
The CBN noted that cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters exploiting digital platforms to spread misinformation and gain unauthorised access to financial data.
It reiterated that its official website remains the primary and most reliable channel for verified information, advising the public to depend only on trusted sources for updates.
“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng,” the bank stated, urging Nigerians to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited messages or unfamiliar online platforms.
To minimise risks, the apex bank advised individuals to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal and financial details on unverified websites, warning that such actions could lead to identity theft and financial loss.
It also encouraged the public to verify the authenticity of any communication attributed to the bank through its official platforms or recognised media outlets before taking action.
The CBN further called on Nigerians to report suspected fraudulent activities to relevant law enforcement agencies, stressing the importance of collective vigilance in tackling cybercrime.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the financial system, the bank said it is strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with other agencies to protect the public from digital fraud.
The development comes amid growing concerns over cybercrime in Nigeria’s financial sector, as fraudsters increasingly exploit digital channels to target individuals and institutions.
In a related move, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission recently signed a memorandum of understanding to combat SIM-related fraud and enhance consumer protection across the country’s digital ecosystem.
The agreement, signed at the CBN headquarters in Abuja, aims to strengthen collaboration between the financial and telecommunications sectors, improve the integrity of payment systems, and curb electronic fraud linked to mobile numbers.
Abah Margaret is a prolific writer and social activist. With a sound background in business administration and management, she has led successful businesses to enviable heights and is known for accurate reportage.
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