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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Technology

CBN Warns Public of Surge in Fake Emails, Online Scams

From The Punch · (7h ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted the public to a rise in fraudulent messages and cyber-attack attempts.
  • These scams often impersonate the CBN and aim to trick recipients into revealing personal data or clicking malicious links.
  • The CBN urges vigilance, advising the public to rely on its official website for verified information and to report suspicious activities.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is taking a firm stance against the escalating wave of online scams and fraudulent communications targeting Nigerians. In a recent statement, the CBN's Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, issued a stern warning, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. These malicious actors are impersonating the apex bank, disseminating misleading information, and employing tactics designed to compromise personal accounts and financial data.

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.

— Hakama Sidi-AliIssuing a warning about fake communications.

The CBN emphasizes that its official website, www.cbn.gov.ng, remains the sole authoritative source for information regarding its operations and policies. Nigerians are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly when encountering unsolicited messages or unfamiliar online platforms. Clicking on suspicious links or divulging sensitive personal and financial details can lead to severe consequences, including identity theft and financial loss.

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.

— CBN StatementDescribing the methods used by scammers.

This proactive alert underscores the CBN's commitment to safeguarding the nation's financial system and protecting its citizens from digital fraud. The bank is actively enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies, reinforcing its dedication to maintaining stability and trust within the financial landscape. The public is encouraged to report any suspected fraudulent activities to the appropriate authorities, fostering a collective effort to combat the growing menace of cybercrime.

The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng

— CBN StatementDirecting the public to the official source of information.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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