CBN Warns Customers of Phishing E-Mails

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a warning to the customers to watch out for spurious e-mails as well as phishing websites that purport to be from CBN.

According to reports received, the fraudulent e-mails direct account holders that they must make their ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) up-to-date, and this means that the customers might have to disclose their password and pin code.

As per a statement by Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, Head, Corporate Affairs, it's clear that the phishing messages making the rounds are fraudsters' creation to trick unsuspecting clients. Leadershipnigeria.com published this on January 15, 2010.

Furthermore, Abdullahi's statement indicates that in case an e-mail or an Internet site associates CBN with the aforementioned transaction, it must be ignored. According to him, there is no direct involvement of the CBN in the daily ATM dealings; hence, the bank will never issue instructions regarding such updates.

Besides, if any time CBN requires its customers to upgrade any of its system, it wouldn't ever ask them to provide their PIN code online.

According to CBN, it would prefer to request account holders to furnish such information in a form by going to the branches they operate from instead of asking for the same via the Internet.

Remarking about the above issue, security specialists stated that during the recent months, numerous scam e-mails had emerged from phishers soliciting people's VISA, ATM, PIN number for mobile banking, etc.

Thus, on account of the increasing exposure of Internet bankers to online fraudsters, CBN has urged its customers to check out with the bank's officers if they get an e-mail notice asking for their sensitive information. The information can be login username or password, bank card number, bank account details, etc.

In addition, the Bank recommended that Internet bankers should raise their knowledge regarding online banking to avoid falling victims of scam e-mails. The banking authorities noted that scammers constantly alter their stories whenever they launch a new attack. Therefore, it's extremely vital that Internet bankers know the most recent online security updates of their banks.

Related article: CBN Warns Customers of Phishing E-Mails

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