The Central Bank of Nigeria has cautioned Nigerians over a surge in fraudulent messages and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the Bank, urging the public to remain vigilant.
In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank disclosed that it has observed an increase in fake emails, text messages, and online posts designed to mislead individuals and gain access to sensitive personal information.
According to the Bank, these fraudulent messages often contain suspicious links that prompt recipients to click, with the intention of hacking into their accounts. The messages also spread false claims regarding the Bank’s leadership, licensing processes, and policy decisions.
The CBN advised Nigerians to avoid engaging with unverified links or websites and warned against sharing personal or financial details on questionable platforms.
It further urged the public to confirm any information about its operations through official channels, including its website and trusted media outlets, noting that this remains the safest way to verify legitimate communications.
The Bank also called on individuals to report suspected fraudulent messages, emails, or websites to law enforcement agencies for swift action.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the financial system, the CBN stated that it is strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies to curb digital fraud and protect the public.
