CBN Issues Fresh Warning To Bank Customers About PINs, Passwords

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised bank customers to protect their financial information by never sharing their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), passwords, or any other sensitive banking details with anyone.

The apex bank issued the advisory in a message posted on its official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle as part of activities marking the global observance of Global Money Week 2026.

The bank said the warning was necessary in view of the rising cases of fraud and scams targeting unsuspecting banking customers.

In the message, the CBN urged customers to remain vigilant and ensure that their banking details are kept strictly confidential at all times.

According to the bank, customers should not disclose their sensitive financial information even to individuals who claim to be representatives of their banks.

“Protect your money by protecting your information. As we mark Global Money Week 2026, remember: your PINs, passwords, and banking details should never be shared with anyone, not even someone claiming to be from your bank. Stay alert. Stay safe,” the apex bank announced.

It stressed that safeguarding personal banking information remains one of the most effective ways to prevent financial fraud.

The advisory comes amid increasing incidents of fraud where criminals impersonate bank officials in order to obtain sensitive financial details from customers.

Fraudsters often contact victims through phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media platforms, falsely presenting themselves as representatives of financial institutions.

Once customers disclose their banking details, the criminals gain unauthorised access to their accounts and carry out fraudulent transactions.

Financial experts have repeatedly warned that such scams have become more sophisticated, making public awareness an important tool in combating financial crime.

Global Money Week is an annual international campaign aimed at promoting financial literacy, responsible money management and consumer protection.

The campaign is observed in several countries around the world, including Nigeria, through awareness programmes designed to educate individuals, especially young people, about safe financial practices.

According to organisers, the initiative also seeks to empower people with the knowledge and skills required to make informed financial decisions while protecting themselves from fraud and exploitation.