The Central Bank of Nigeria has advised bank customers to protect their financial information by never sharing their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), passwords, or other sensitive banking details with anyone.
The warning was issued in a message posted on the bank’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) as part of activities marking Global Money Week 2026.
According to the apex bank, the advisory became necessary due to the increasing cases of fraud and scams targeting unsuspecting banking customers. The CBN urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and ensure their financial information remains strictly confidential at all times.
In the message, the bank stressed that customers should never disclose their banking details, even to individuals who claim to be representatives of their banks.
“Protect your money by protecting your information. As we mark Global Money Week 2026, remember: your PINs, passwords, and banking details should never be shared with anyone, not even someone claiming to be from your bank. Stay alert. Stay safe,” the bank stated.
The CBN noted that protecting personal banking information remains one of the most effective ways to prevent financial fraud.
The warning comes amid growing incidents of criminals impersonating bank officials to obtain sensitive details from customers. Fraudsters often contact victims through phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media platforms while pretending to represent financial institutions.
Once victims disclose their details, the criminals gain unauthorised access to their accounts and carry out fraudulent transactions.
Financial experts have also warned that these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making public awareness a key tool in combating financial crimes.
Global Money Week is an international campaign aimed at promoting financial literacy, responsible money management, and consumer protection. The programme is observed in many countries, including Nigeria, through awareness initiatives designed to educate people—especially young individuals—on safe financial practices and how to protect themselves from fraud and exploitation.
