The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a warning to Nigerians over the circulation of fake messages and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the Bank, urging the public to stay alert to avoid falling victim to fraud.
In a statement released on Tuesday night and signed by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank said it has noticed a rise in fraudulent emails, text messages, and online posts aimed at deceiving people and stealing personal information.
The CBN explained that these fake messages often include links that encourage recipients to click, with the intention of gaining unauthorized access to their personal or financial accounts. It added that the scams also spread false claims about the Bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions.
The Bank cautioned Nigerians against engaging with suspicious links or unverified websites, stressing the importance of protecting sensitive personal and financial information.
It further advised the public to verify any information about the CBN through its official website or trusted media outlets, noting that these are the safest sources for accurate updates.
The apex bank also encouraged citizens to report any suspected fraudulent messages or online platforms to the relevant law enforcement agencies for immediate action.
In addition, the CBN said it is strengthening its cybersecurity measures in collaboration with other agencies to protect the financial system and reduce the risk of digital fraud.
