The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned members of the public to disregard fraudulent messages, emails and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the bank, saying the schemes are designed to mislead users and compromise personal accounts.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by acting Director of Corporate Communications Hakama Ali, the central bank said the fake messages were circulating widely online and often contained false claims about the institution’s leadership, licensing activities and monetary policy decisions.
According to the bank, the fraudulent communications typically prompt recipients to click on malicious links, which are intended to steal personal data or gain unauthorised access to financial accounts.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that these messages are part of a broader wave of cyber deception targeting individuals and institutions across Nigeria’s financial system.
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The bank urged the public to rely solely on official channels for verified information, particularly its website, www.cbn.gov.ng, and recognised media outlets.
It also advised Nigerians to avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing sensitive personal information on unverified platforms, warning that cybercriminals often use impersonation tactics to appear credible.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites,” the statement said, adding that all communications should be verified through official channels.
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The central bank further encouraged individuals and organisations to report suspected phishing emails, fake websites and fraudulent messages to law enforcement authorities to help curb the growing threat.
The warning comes amid increasing cyberattacks targeting both public and private institutions in Nigeria, with several organisations reportedly experiencing attempted data breaches in recent weeks.
Entities including the Corporate Affairs Commission and some financial service providers have recently faced alleged security incidents, prompting regulatory scrutiny and investigations by data protection authorities.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has since launched investigations into the reported breaches and issued advisories aimed at strengthening cybersecurity compliance across sectors.
The central bank said it is working with relevant agencies to reinforce digital security frameworks within the financial system, as cyber fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
Analysts say financial institutions in emerging markets are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals due to rapid digitisation and growing online banking usage, often outpacing cybersecurity infrastructure.
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In Nigeria, the expansion of mobile banking, digital payments and fintech platforms has increased efficiency but also created new vulnerabilities exploited by fraud networks.
The central bank reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the financial system and protecting users from digital fraud, stressing that public awareness remains a key line of defence.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, verify all communications, and treat unsolicited messages with caution as cyber threats continue to evolve.
