The Central Bank of Nigeria has cautioned Nigerians over a rising wave of fraudulent messages and cyberattack attempts targeting unsuspecting individuals, urging the public to remain vigilant in their online engagements.
The alert was issued in a statement released late Tuesday by the bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, who disclosed that the apex bank had detected an increase in deceptive communications falsely claiming to originate from the institution.
“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 messages are crafted to trick recipients into revealing sensitive personal information, often by luring them to click on malicious links or accept false narratives about the bank’s operations.
“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 CBN noted that cyber threats are becoming more advanced, with fraudsters increasingly exploiting digital platforms to spread misinformation and gain unauthorised access to financial data.
It emphasised that its official website remains the only reliable source for verified information, urging Nigerians to depend solely on trusted platforms for updates.
“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng,”� it stated, adding that individuals must exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited messages or unfamiliar online platforms.
To reduce exposure to risk, the bank advised 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 encouraged Nigerians to confirm the authenticity of any message attributed to the bank through its official website or credible media outlets before taking any action.
The apex bank further called on citizens to report suspected fraud to appropriate law enforcement agencies, stressing that collective vigilance is essential in tackling cybercrime.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the financial system, the CBN said it is continuously strengthening its cybersecurity systems in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“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 warning comes amid increasing concerns over cybercrime in Nigeria’s financial sector, as criminals continue to exploit digital channels to target both individuals and institutions, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and preventive action.
In a related move, the CBN and the Nigerian Communications Commission recently signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at addressing SIM-related fraud and boosting consumer protection across the country’s digital landscape.
The agreement, finalised at the CBN headquarters in Abuja, is designed to strengthen collaboration between the financial and telecommunications sectors, with a focus on curbing mobile-linked electronic fraud, improving payment system integrity, and safeguarding consumers.
