The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about the circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.

In a press release dated April 21, 2026, the CBN said the deceptive messages are designed to misinform the public and lure unsuspecting individuals into compromising their personal and financial information. The bank noted that such communications often prompt recipients to click on malicious links while spreading false claims about its leadership, licensing processes, and policy matters.

According to the statement, these cyber fraud attempts are part of broader efforts by criminal actors to gain unauthorized access to personal accounts and sensitive data.

The CBN emphasized that its official website remains www.cbn.gov.ng, urging the public to rely solely on verified channels for accurate information.

To mitigate risks, the bank advised Nigerians to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal details on unverified platforms. It also encouraged individuals to confirm the authenticity of any CBN-related communication through its official website and recognized media outlets.

Furthermore, the apex bank called on the public to report any suspected fraudulent websites, emails, or messages to law enforcement agencies for prompt investigation and action.

Reaffirming its commitment to financial system security, the CBN stated that it continues to strengthen its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies to safeguard Nigerians against digital fraud.

The statement was signed by Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs.), Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN.