CBN issues urgent scam alert as fraudsters impersonate bank to steal Nigerians’ data

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned the public about a rise in fraudulent messages and emails claiming to be from the CBN. These scams are designed to steal personal account information, and the public is advised to remain vigilant.

In a statement signed by Acting Director of Corporate Communications Hakama Sidi Ali and dated April 21, 2026, the CBN said these communications are designed to mislead the public by spreading false information about the bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy decisions, and in many cases, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links that compromise their personal accounts.

The bank was very clear: its only official website is www.cbn.gov.ng. Any message, email, or online communication not traceable to that platform or recognised media outlets should be treated with suspicion.

The CBN advised members of the public to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites, verify the authenticity of any CBN communication through official channels, and report suspected fraudulent sites, emails, or messages to law enforcement authorities.

CBN warning comes amid rising cyberattacks

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s alert is not an isolated event. It coincides with a period of ongoing and widespread attacks on Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

Earlier this month, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) reported unauthorized access to its internal systems, which led the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to launch a formal investigation.

Simultaneously, the NDPC was already investigating Remita Payment Services and Sterling Bank for a separate, allegedly major data breach. A threat actor called “ByteToBreach” claimed to have stolen sensitive customer data, including Bank Verification Numbers, KYC documents, and transaction records.

This pattern suggests a widespread, coordinated attempt to infiltrate Nigeria’s financial and governmental digital systems. NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa previously noted that human error causes 95% of digital security breaches.

Similar read: Sterling Bank, Remita and CAC data breaches: Why did the Nigerian institutions say nothing?

He also cautioned that artificial intelligence is making these attacks more difficult to identify and more destructive when they are successful.

The CBN’s warning is a timely reminder that individuals are also targets of fraud. Scammers exploit the credibility of trusted institutions like the central bank to deceive everyday users.

Be wary of any messages claiming to be from the CBN that request you click a link, share personal information, or take immediate action. Report any suspicious communications.