The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about a rising wave of scam messages and communications falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.
In a statement signed by Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the CBN said fraudsters are using emails, text messages, and online posts to deceive people and steal their personal and financial information.
The bank noted that these deceptive messages often urge recipients to click suspicious links or provide sensitive details under false claims about bank policies, leadership, or licensing matters. The goal is usually to gain access to bank accounts and siphon funds.
Common Scams Highlighted
The CBN also drew attention to other prevalent fraud tactics, including:
Online shopping scams, where fake websites mimic legitimate platforms to steal card details.
Investment scams, promising unusually high returns with little or no risk, such as fake cryptocurrency schemes and Ponzi operations.
Identity theft and social engineering, where criminals pose as government officials, colleagues, or distressed relatives to extract confidential information.
Safety Measures Recommended
To protect themselves, the CBN advised the public to:
– Avoid clicking on unverified links
– Never share personal or banking details with unsolicited contacts
– Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication
– Shop only from trusted websites with secure ‘https://’ connections
– Regularly check bank statements for unauthorised transactions
– Shred sensitive documents before disposal
Anyone who suspects they have been scammed should immediately contact their bank to secure their account, report the incident to law enforcement agencies such as the EFCC, Nigeria Police, DSS, or ICPC, and change any compromised passwords.
The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity measures and working with relevant authorities to combat digital fraud, while urging citizens to stay alert and verify all communications before taking action.
