ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Central Bank of Nigeria has raised the alarm over a rise in fraudulent messages and cyberattack attempts targeting unsuspecting Nigerians, urging the public to exercise greater caution in their digital engagements.
The warning was issued in a press statement released late Tuesday by the CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, who noted that the apex bank had detected the spread of deceptive communications falsely claiming to be from the institution.
The bank said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to alert members of the public to the circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications purporting to originate from or be associated with the Bank, which are intended to misinform members of the public.”
According to the statement, these fraudulent messages are crafted to trick recipients into revealing personal information, often by clicking malicious links or accepting false claims about the bank’s activities.
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“These fraudulent messages, which prompt recipients to click links, peddle false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, and are intended to hack personal accounts,” the bank stated.
The apex bank emphasised that such cyber threats are becoming more advanced, with perpetrators increasingly using digital platforms to spread false information and gain unauthorised access to sensitive financial data.
It reiterated that its official website remains the primary source of verified information and advised Nigerians to depend only on trusted platforms for updates about its operations.
“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng,” it stated, adding that individuals should be cautious when engaging with unsolicited messages or unfamiliar online platforms.
To reduce exposure to risks, the bank urged the public to avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal and financial details on unverified websites, warning that such actions could lead to identity theft or financial loss.
It also advised Nigerians to confirm the authenticity of any message attributed to the bank through its official website or credible media organisations before taking action.
The CBN further called on the public to report any suspected fraudulent activities to appropriate law enforcement agencies, stressing the importance of collective vigilance in the fight against cybercrime.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining financial system stability, the bank said it is continuously strengthening its cybersecurity systems in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect Nigerians.
“The CBN remains fully committed to safeguarding the Nigerian financial system and continues to strengthen its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect the public against digital fraud,” it added.
The development comes amid increasing concerns over cybercrime within Nigeria’s financial sector, as fraudsters continue to exploit digital platforms to target individuals and organisations, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and preventive action.
Earlier, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission signed a memorandum of understanding to address SIM-related fraud and enhance consumer protection within Nigeria’s digital space.
The agreement, signed at the CBN headquarters in Abuja, seeks to strengthen collaboration between the financial and telecommunications sectors by tackling electronic fraud linked to mobile numbers, improving payment system integrity, and safeguarding consumers.