ABUJA, Nigeria (FN), The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued an urgent warning about a surge in fraudulent emails, text messages and websites targeting bank customers, urging the public to avoid clicking suspicious links and to verify all communications through official channels.
Acting Director of Corporate Communications Hakama Sidi Ali said Wednesday that scammers are impersonating the CBN to spread false information about leadership changes, licensing and policy decisions. “The only authentic website of the Central Bank of Nigeria is www.cbn.gov.ng,” she said, cautioning Nigerians against sharing personal or financial details on unverified platforms.
The warning comes amid a wave of cyberattacks on Nigerian institutions. On April 15, the Corporate Affairs Commission confirmed its systems had been breached, while the Nigeria Data Protection Commission is investigating alleged data leaks involving Remita Payment Services Ltd. and Sterling Bank.
Analysts say the surge reflects vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s digital financial systems, including outdated software and weak access controls. Fraudsters have increasingly exploited phishing tactics to gain unauthorized access to accounts, steal identities and spread misinformation that undermines trust in financial institutions.
The CBN urged customers to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication on banking apps and report suspicious activity immediately to their banks and law enforcement.
Cybersecurity experts note that Nigeria has faced similar waves of financial fraud in the past, but the scale of recent attacks highlights the growing risks of digital banking. In 2021, multiple commercial banks reported breaches linked to phishing campaigns, while in 2023, telecom subscribers were targeted with fake “SIM upgrade” messages.
With Nigeria’s economy under strain and more citizens relying on digital transactions, the CBN’s warning underscores the urgent need for vigilance.
