The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a public alert warning Nigerians against a surge in fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the bank.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Ali, said the malicious messages are designed to mislead the public, spread false information, and compromise personal data.

According to the apex bank, the fake communications often prompt recipients to click suspicious links while circulating misleading claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing processes, and policy decisions.

“These messages are intended to deceive users and gain unauthorised access to personal accounts,” the CBN warned.

The bank urged Nigerians to rely solely on verified information published on its official website and through recognised media channels. It also cautioned the public against clicking unknown links or sharing sensitive information with unverified sources.

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid suspicious links and protect their personal information,” the statement added.

The CBN further encouraged individuals to report suspected scams or fraudulent platforms to law enforcement agencies, noting that it is strengthening its cybersecurity systems in collaboration with relevant authorities.

The warning comes amid rising cyber threats across Nigeria’s financial and public sectors. In recent weeks, institutions such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, Remita Payment Services Limited, and Sterling Bank have reportedly faced cyberattack attempts.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission has launched investigations into the alleged breaches and issued regulatory advisories to address the growing risks to data security in the country.