Fresh phishing wave targets bank customers, threatens personal accounts nationwide — CBN

By Lawrence Agbo

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians of a surge in phishing attacks aimed at gaining unauthorised access to customers’ bank accounts, urging heightened vigilance against fraudulent digital communications.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank disclosed that cybercriminals are circulating deceptive emails and messages falsely claiming to originate from the CBN.

The bank said the misleading communications are crafted to trick recipients into revealing sensitive personal and financial information.

According to the regulator, such messages often include malicious links and false claims relating to the bank’s leadership, licensing processes, and policy decisions.

The CBN cautioned the public against clicking on suspicious links or engaging with unverified platforms, stressing that its official website remains [www.cbn.gov.ng](http://www.cbn.gov.ng).

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites,” the statement reads.

It advised Nigerians to always confirm the authenticity of any communication through trusted sources and recognised media channels.

“Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from sharing personal information on suspicious websites and to report any fraudulent emails or messages to relevant law enforcement authorities,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system, the apex bank said it is strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies to curb digital fraud.

The warning comes amid rising concerns over cyber threats in the country. Recently, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirmed a cyberattack on its systems, while the Nigeria Data Protection Commission has launched an investigation into an alleged data breach involving Remita Payment Services Ltd., Sterling Bank, and other entities.