CBN alerts public on fraudulent messages,  rising cybercriminals

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised alarm over a sharp rise in fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications, warning that suspected cybercriminals are attempting to breach security systems and deceive the public.

In a late Tuesday statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the apex bank disclosed that the fraudulent messages often contain false claims regarding the bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues.

According to the statement, perpetrators use these misleading narratives to lure unsuspecting victims into clicking malicious links, which can lead to unauthorized access to personal and financial accounts.

The statement reads: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 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, which are 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, and are intended to hack personal accounts.”

The CBN reaffirmed that its official website is www.cbn.gov.ng, urging the public to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites. It also advised the public to verify all CBN communications through the official website and recognized media outlets.

The bank further urged the public to report any suspected fraudulent sites, emails, or messages to law enforcement authorities. The CBN reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system and strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies to protect the public against digital fraud.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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