The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has issued a warning to Nigerians over the circulation of fraudulent messages and online communications designed to deceive the public and compromise personal data.
The apex bank, in a statement by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, on Tuesday, said it had observed a growing wave of fake emails, messages, and websites falsely claiming to originate from or be affiliated with the institution.
According to the Bank, these deceptive communications are crafted to misinform unsuspecting recipients and lure them into clicking malicious links.
The CBN noted that the fraudulent messages often contain misleading claims about its leadership, licensing activities, and policy directions, with the ultimate aim of hacking into personal accounts and perpetrating financial fraud.
While reaffirming its official digital presence, the Bank stressed that its authentic website remains www.cbn.gov.ng, urging members of the public to rely solely on verified channels for information relating to its operations.
To mitigate risks, the apex bank advised Nigerians to exercise heightened vigilance by avoiding suspicious links and refraining from sharing sensitive personal or financial information on unverified platforms.
It also urged the public to cross-check all communications attributed to the CBN through its official website and recognised media outlets.
Furthermore, the Bank called on individuals to promptly report any suspected fraudulent messages, emails, or websites to law enforcement authorities for necessary action.
The CBN reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system, noting that it is continuously strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies to combat digital fraud and protect citizens.
