The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) has warned Nigerians against clicking suspicious banking links, following the discovery of a fraudulent message directing customers to cloned websites designed to steal sensitive financial information. As reported by Newtellers, the association said fraudsters were impersonating banks through fake……
The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) has warned Nigerians against clicking suspicious banking links, following the discovery of a fraudulent message directing customers to cloned websites designed to steal sensitive financial information.
As reported by Newtellers, the association said fraudsters were impersonating banks through fake alerts, websites and social media accounts to obtain customers’ banking credentials, including passwords, bank verification numbers (BVNs), card details and transaction PINs.
The warning followed a fraudulent text message impersonating various banks, which FactCheckAfrica debunked after discovering that the link directed users to a fake internet banking website designed to harvest sensitive information.
ACAMB President, Jide Sipe, said the growing sophistication of cybercriminals was making it increasingly difficult for customers to distinguish fraudulent messages from genuine bank communications.
“When a scam message carries your name, your phone number or your bank’s logo, it looks real. That is exactly why customers must slow down. No bank in Nigeria will ask you to confirm your PIN, password, OTP or BVN through a link,” Sipe said.
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The warning comes amid previous reports of online impersonation and cyberattacks involving Nigerian financial institutions.
In June, Wema Bank suspended its engagements on X amid reports of more than 70 fake accounts impersonating the bank and its ALAT platform.
In August, Zenith Bank Plc disclosed that it was investigating unauthorised access to customer data linked to a global cyberattack.
These incidents highlight the risks customers face as digital banking expands, with criminals exploiting trusted banking brands to trick users into surrendering sensitive information.
Sipe acknowledged efforts by banks to strengthen fraud detection and customer protection, as well as regulatory measures introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, including its mandatory cybersecurity self-assessment guide.
However, he stressed that institutional safeguards must be supported by greater public awareness and caution among customers.
“Banks can strengthen their security systems, but fraudsters continue to find ways to exploit unsuspecting customers. We must all remain vigilant,” he said.
“Always pause, verify requests through official channels and report anything suspicious before taking action.”
ACAMB advised customers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages claiming that their accounts need to be verified, reactivated or secured.
It also warned against disclosing personal identification numbers, passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), card verification values (CVVs) or BVNs in response to suspicious requests.
Customers were urged to verify messages directly with their banks through official mobile applications, verified social media accounts or published customer service numbers.
Those who have entered their details on suspicious websites were advised to contact their banks immediately to secure their accounts and block affected cards where necessary.
ACAMB said it would continue working with banks, regulators and the media to raise awareness of cyber fraud and promote safer digital banking practices.
The association’s warning underscores the importance of protecting customers’ credentials, as a single fraudulent link can expose sensitive information to criminals and put bank accounts at risk.
