BY BONNY AMADI
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh warning to the public over the rising circulation of fraudulent messages and cyberattack attempts falsely linked to the apex bank, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant against digital scams.
In a press statement signed by Hakama Sidi-Ali, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications and released Tuesday, the bank said it had observed an increase in deceptive emails, text messages, and online communications designed to mislead unsuspecting individuals into divulging sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
According to the CBN, these fraudulent messages often impersonate the bank and contain misleading claims about its leadership, licensing processes, and policy decisions.
The bank noted that such tactics are aimed at compromising personal accounts and exploiting public trust in the institution.
“The messages are crafted to appear credible, prompting recipients to take urgent actions that may expose them to cyber threats,” the statement said.
The apex bank stressed that its official communications are only disseminated through verified channels, including its website and recognised media platforms.
It cautioned the public against engaging with unofficial sources or sharing confidential information online without proper verification.
As part of precautionary measures, the CBN advised Nigerians to avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from providing personal or financial details on unverified websites, and promptly report any suspected fraudulent activity to law enforcement authorities.
The bank reaffirmed that its official website remains the primary platform for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and policies.
Amid growing concerns over cybercrime in Nigeria’s financial sector, the CBN emphasized its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.
It disclosed ongoing collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies to enhance digital protection systems and safeguard the integrity of the financial ecosystem.
“The CBN remains fully committed to protecting the Nigerian financial system and ensuring that citizens are not exposed to undue risks from cyber fraud,” the statement added.
Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that financial institutions remain prime targets for cybercriminals, who often exploit public confidence in such organisations to carry out phishing and hacking schemes.
The latest alert underscores the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the need for heightened public awareness as digital financial transactions continue to expand across the country.
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