The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a warning to the public about an increase in fraudulent messages, emails and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank. In a statement released on Tuesday, the CBN said these deceptive messages often contain misleading links and false claims about its leadership, licensing activities and policy decisions. The bank described the communications as deliberate attempts by cybercriminals to mislead individuals and gain access to personal and financial information. It emphasized that such messages are not affiliated with the CBN and urged Nigerians to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive data. The official CBN website, www.cbn.gov.ng, was reaffirmed as the sole authoritative source for accurate information on policies and regulatory actions. The bank advised the public to verify any questionable communication through its official platforms and to report suspected fraud to law enforcement agencies. The CBN said it is actively upgrading its cybersecurity systems in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect the financial sector from evolving digital threats. The warning comes amid rising incidents of online scams and identity theft affecting individuals and institutions nationwide.
The CBN warns Nigerians about fake messages while acknowledging its systems are under active threat, yet offers no public evidence of recent breaches or takedowns of fraudulent sites. If cybercriminals are successfully mimicking the bank's identity, those using the www.cbn.gov.ng website may still be at risk despite following official guidance. The public is left to self-police fraud with no indication of how many have already been compromised. Vigilance alone cannot substitute for demonstrable security outcomes.
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