The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a renewed warning to Nigerians over fraudulent emails, fake messages and misleading online communications falsely linked to the apex bank, as cybercriminals intensify efforts to exploit unsuspecting members of the public.

In a statement issued by Hakama Sidi-Ali, the bank said the deceptive messages are designed to spread false information about the institution’s leadership, licensing activities and policy decisions, while directing recipients to suspicious links that could expose sensitive personal and financial data.

According to the regulator, the scam messages form part of broader attempts by fraudsters to mislead the public and gain unauthorized access to confidential information through phishing and other cyber fraud tactics.

The apex bank cautioned that some of the fake communications invite recipients to visit dubious websites or click unsafe links, increasing the risk of identity theft, financial loss and account compromise.
To guard against such threats, the CBN urged Nigerians to depend only on information published through its official website and other recognised communication channels for authentic updates.

The bank also advised the public against disclosing personal details, banking credentials or other confidential information through unsolicited emails, text messages or social media links.

The warning comes amid the rapid expansion of digital banking, mobile payments and online financial services, a shift that has also created new opportunities for cybercriminals to impersonate trusted institutions and target consumers.

Beyond the immediate fraud alert, the development underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity awareness among users, as technological safeguards can be weakened when individuals are manipulated into granting access voluntarily.
The CBN maintained that public vigilance remains critical in preserving trust in digital finance, while calling for stronger consumer education, improved fraud detection systems and faster institutional response to emerging cyber threats.