The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised an alarm over a growing wave of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications falsely claiming to represent the apex bank. According to the CBN, these deceptive materials are designed to mislead Nigerians and gain unauthorized access to personal accounts and sensitive data.
In an official notice signed by Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the bank revealed that the fake messages are already circulating widely. Many of them encourage unsuspecting individuals to click embedded links, which are used by cybercriminals as a gateway to hack personal information and compromise accounts.
To protect the public, the CBN has issued clear safety guidelines. Nigerians are strongly advised not to click on suspicious links or share personal details on unverified websites. The bank also stressed that all official communication must be confirmed through its verified website, www.cbn.gov.ng, or trusted media platforms.
The CBN further urged the public to immediately report any suspicious emails, websites, or messages to relevant law enforcement agencies. While the bank did not disclose specific sources behind the attacks, it reaffirmed that investigations and cybersecurity monitoring efforts are ongoing in collaboration with security agencies.
Reassuring Nigerians, the apex bank emphasized its continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s financial cybersecurity framework. It also reiterated that its only official website remains www.cbn.gov.ng, warning citizens to treat any other source claiming to represent the bank with extreme caution until properly verified.
source: Leadership