The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised alarm to the circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications purporting to originate from or be associated with the Bank, and intended to misinform members of the public.
These fraudulent messages, which prompt recipients to click links, peddle false information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, are intended to hack personal accounts.
The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng.
In a statement made available to VDCInsights on Tuesday titled “CBN Alerts Public To Fraudulent Messages, Cyber Security Hack Attempts” strongly advised members of the public to:
• Refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites.
• Verify the authenticity of all CBN communications through the official website and recognised media outlets.
• Report any suspected fraudulent site, email, or message to law enforcement authorities.
The statement signed by the Acting Director,Corporate Communications, CBN, Hakama Sidi-Ali assured the public that the apex bank remains fully committed to safeguarding the Nigerian financial system and continues to strengthen its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect the public against digital fraud.
It should be recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration across Nigeria’s financial and telecommunications sectors to protect customers.
VDCInsights reports that the MOU is aimed at strengthening consumer protection, tackling electronic fraud, and related crimes, while the latest statement is to strengthen this initiative.
The agreement signed at the CBN headquarters in Abuja on Monday, saw both institutions inaugurate two joint committees to drive the initiative.
The committees include the Joint Committee on Payment Systems and Consumer Protection, and the Joint Committee on the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) Portal.
