The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians over ongoing cyber hack attempts aimed at gaining access to personal and financial accounts. The alert comes amid growing concerns about digital fraud, with scammers impersonating the apex bank through fake messages and emails designed to mislead the public.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the bank—through its acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali—revealed that fraudsters are circulating deceptive communications falsely claiming to originate from the CBN. These messages often contain misleading information crafted to trick unsuspecting individuals into compromising sensitive personal data.
According to the regulator, the fraudulent emails and online messages typically urge recipients to click suspicious links while spreading false narratives about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions. The CBN stressed that these tactics are deliberately designed to create confusion and ultimately give cybercriminals access to users’ private information.
To stay safe, the bank advised Nigerians to verify all official communications through its website and trusted media platforms. It emphasized that its only official website remains www.cbn.gov.ng and warned against sharing personal details or engaging with unverified links. The public was also encouraged to report any suspicious emails or websites to law enforcement authorities for prompt action.
The warning follows recent cyber incidents in the country, including an attack on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and an ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission into a data breach involving Remita Payment Services Ltd. and Sterling Bank. The CBN reassured Nigerians of its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity systems in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect the nation’s financial ecosystem.
source: The cable