ACAMB warns: Fake bank alerts, cloned sites stealing Nigerians' BVN and PINs
ACAMB president Jide Sipe warns that fraudsters now use fake bank alerts, cloned websites, and impersonation accounts to steal login credentials, BVNs, card details, and transaction PINs. FactCheckAfrica confirmed a circulating text message links to a cloned internet banking site designed to harvest this exact data.
In June, Wema Bank suspended X activity after 70+ fake accounts impersonated the bank and ALAT platform. In August, Zenith Bank disclosed investigating unauthorized customer data access from a global cyberattack. Sipe emphasizes: "No bank in Nigeria will ask you to confirm your PIN, password, OTP, or BVN through a link."
The CBN's mandatory cybersecurity self-assessment guide strengthens bank defenses, but Sipe stresses customer vigilance remains critical. Always pause and verify requests through official mobile apps, verified social media accounts, or published customer service numbers—never click links in unsolicited messages asking to verify, reactivate, or secure your account.
If you've entered banking details on a suspicious site, contact your bank immediately to secure your account and block affected cards.
With digital banking expanding across Nigeria, will you verify every banking request through official channels before clicking, or wait until a breach forces the lesson?