Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued an urgent public warning over a surge in fraudulent messages, emails and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank, which are designed to misinform the public, spread false information, and compromise personal bank accounts. In a press release dated April 21, 2026, the CBN alerted Nigerians to a coordinated campaign by cybercriminals who are using the bank’s name and logo to lend credibility to phishing attempts and other digital fraud schemes. The statement, signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, urged the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited communications that reference the CBN, its leadership, or its policies.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria has observed with concern the circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications falsely claiming to originate from or be associated with the Bank,” the statement read. The CBN said these fraudulent communications are being used to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, spreading false information about the bank’s leadership, licensing or policy issues, and attempting to hack into personal accounts. While the statement did not specify the exact number of complaints received or the financial losses incurred, it described the activities as a “deliberate and sustained effort” by cybercriminals to exploit the bank’s trusted reputation.
The CBN reiterated that its official website remains [cbn.gov.ng] and that all genuine communications from the bank are published through its official channels and recognised media outlets. It advised Nigerians to verify any CBN‑related communication by cross‑checking with the official website and to avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information on unverified websites. The bank also urged the public to report suspected fraudulent websites, emails or messages to law enforcement authorities.
The warning comes amid a sharp rise in cybercrime in Nigeria, where the rapid adoption of digital payments and mobile banking has created new opportunities for fraudsters. According to a report by the Nigeria Inter‑Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the country recorded over N17.4 billion in fraud losses in 2025, with phishing, smishing (SMS phishing) and social engineering attacks accounting for a significant portion. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the Nigeria Police Force‑National Cybercrime Centre (NPF‑NCCC) reported that it had investigated over 1,000 cases of online fraud, many of which involved impersonation of government agencies, including the CBN.
Cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods. Common tactics include sending text messages claiming that the recipient’s bank account has been “suspended” or “compromised” and directing them to a fake CBN portal where they are asked to enter their Banking Verification Number (BVN), account number and other sensitive details. Other schemes involve fake job offers, investment opportunities, or promises of government stimulus payments. In some cases, fraudsters use caller ID spoofing to make it appear that the call is coming from a legitimate CBN phone number.
The CBN has over the years collaborated with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take down fraudulent websites and prosecute offenders. In 2025, the CBN introduced a public alert system that flags known phishing domains. However, the rapid proliferation of new websites and the use of encrypted messaging apps have made enforcement challenging.
The bank also reminded Nigerians that it does not request personal financial information, BVN, or account logins via unsolicited messages or phone calls. “The CBN will never ask you to click a link to verify your account or to send your BVN or PIN via WhatsApp, SMS or email,” a senior official told journalists on condition of anonymity. “If you receive such a request, it is a scam. Do not respond. Do not click. Report it immediately.”
In addition to warning the public, the CBN has directed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to intensify their own cybersecurity measures and to work with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to flag suspicious transactions. The statement also disclosed that the CBN is strengthening its internal cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), to protect the Nigerian financial system against digital fraud.
Financial inclusion advocates have praised the CBN’s proactive stance, but they have also called for a nationwide digital literacy campaign. “Many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, are not aware of how phishing works. They trust a message simply because it carries the CBN logo,” said a Lagos‑based fintech consultant. “The bank’s warning is necessary, but it must be paired with mass education through radio, television and community outreach.”
The CBN’s alert is part of a broader push to safeguard the integrity of the financial system ahead of the 2027 elections and the expected increase in digital transactions during the holiday season. The bank has promised to issue periodic updates on emerging threats and to maintain a public dashboard of confirmed fraudulent websites.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the CBN’s commitment to protecting the Nigerian financial system and the public against digital fraud, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and to trust only official communication channels.
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