CBN raises alarm over surge in fraudulent messages targeting Nigerians

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned members of the public about a rising wave of fraudulent messages, emails, and cyber-attack attempts targeting unsuspecting Nigerians, urging heightened caution in all digital communications.

In a statement issued late Tuesday night by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank said it had observed an increase in deceptive messages falsely claiming to originate from the CBN.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to alert members of the public to the circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications purporting to originate from or be associated with the Bank, which are intended to misinform members of the public,” the statement read.

According to the bank, these messages are deliberately designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive personal information, often through malicious links or false claims about the bank’s leadership, policies, or licensing processes.

“These fraudulent messages, which prompt recipients to click links, peddle false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, and are intended to hack personal accounts,” it added.

The CBN noted that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, exploiting digital platforms to spread misinformation and gain unauthorised access to financial data and personal accounts.

It reiterated that its official website remains the only verified channel for authentic information, urging Nigerians to disregard unsolicited messages or suspicious online content.

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng,” the bank stated, warning citizens to always verify any communication before taking action.

The apex bank further advised the public not to click on unknown links or share personal and financial details on unverified platforms, stressing that such actions expose users to identity theft and financial loss.

It also encouraged Nigerians to report suspected fraud attempts to relevant law enforcement agencies as part of efforts to strengthen collective cybersecurity vigilance.

“The CBN remains fully committed to safeguarding the Nigerian financial system and continues to strengthen its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect the public against digital fraud,” the statement said.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over cybercrime in Nigeria’s financial space, where fraudsters increasingly use digital tools to target individuals and institutions.

The CBN had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tackle SIM-related fraud, improve coordination between the telecom and financial sectors, and strengthen consumer protection across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.