The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted the public that fraudsters are sending messages, emails, and online links targeting unsuspecting individuals with the aim of gaining unauthorised access to their bank accounts.
The apex bank raised the alarm on Wednesday in a statement issued by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali.
According to the CBN spokesperson, the messages—which circulate false claims about the bank’s leadership and operations—are crafted to mislead recipients and harvest the sensitive information of bank account holders.
She added that the scam messages typically urge recipients to click on suspicious links and disclose confidential details under the pretext of official directives.
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While expressing concern over a surge in fraudulent activity, Sidi-Ali wrote: “These fraudulent messages, which prompt recipients to click links and peddle false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, are intended to hack personal accounts.”
The CBN stressed that its only official website remains www.cbn.gov.ng and advised the public to verify any communication through authorised channels.
It cautioned Nigerians against engaging with unverified links or sharing personal and financial information on dubious platforms, noting that such actions could expose them to cyber fraud.
The CBN urged members of the public to report suspicious messages, emails, or websites to the appropriate authorities, while also assuring that it is enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with security agencies to curb digital financial crime.