The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted Nigerians over a surge in fraudulent messages, emails, and online communication, warning that suspected cybercriminals are attempting to breach security systems and mislead the public.
In a statement by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, CBN said the fraudulent messages contain misleading information about the institution’s leadership, licensing activities and policy decisions.
While urging recipients against clicking suspicious links that could expose them to cyber fraud, it said the perpetrators use these misleading narratives to lure unsuspecting victims into clicking malicious links, which can lead to unauthorised access to personal and financial accounts.
“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,” the statement said.
The apex bank noted that many of the fraudulent communications are carefully designed to appear legitimate, making it important for members of the public to remain vigilant when receiving messages claiming to come from the bank.
It explained that the messages often encourage recipients to click on suspicious links or visit fake websites, which could be used by fraudsters to hack personal accounts or steal confidential information.
The bank therefore urged Nigerians to rely only on its official website for verified information and announcements relating to its operations, policies and regulatory activities.
According to the statement, the official website of the apex bank remains www.cbn.gov.ng, and members of the public are encouraged to verify any information concerning the bank through that platform or other recognised media channels.
The CBN advised Nigerians to avoid engaging with suspicious links or websites and to refrain from sharing personal or financial information online unless the authenticity of the communication has been confirmed.
Specifically, the bank urged the public to refrain from clicking on links contained in suspicious emails, text messages or social media posts claiming to originate from the institution.
It also emphasised the importance of verifying the authenticity of any communication attributed to the bank before taking any action.
The apex bank further encouraged members of the public who encounter suspicious messages or websites to promptly report them to law enforcement authorities in order to help curb the spread of digital fraud.
According to the CBN, public vigilance remains a critical component in combating cybercrime and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals who exploit digital platforms to impersonate financial institutions and government agencies in order to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
Financial sector regulators and cybersecurity experts have repeatedly cautioned that such fraudulent communications often mimic official announcements in order to create a sense of urgency or credibility that can trick recipients into revealing sensitive information.
The apex bank stressed that it does not request confidential personal information through unsolicited emails, messages or unverified websites, adding that members of the public should be wary of any communication demanding such details.
It reiterated that protecting the financial system and safeguarding public trust remain central to its mandate.
The bank also noted that it continues to strengthen its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant government agencies and security institutions to combat the rising threat of digital fraud.
According to the CBN, the collaboration aims to enhance monitoring systems, improve digital security infrastructure and ensure faster detection and response to fraudulent activities targeting the financial sector.
The bank reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the safety, stability and integrity of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem while working with stakeholders to ensure that members of the public remain protected from emerging cyber threats.
“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,” the statement added.
The apex bank therefore urged Nigerians to remain cautious and always confirm the authenticity of communications attributed to the institution, especially those received through unofficial channels.
