Banks Warn Customers of 2 New Methods Used to Hack Into Accounts as Scammers Steal N10bn

Banks Warn Customers of 2 New Methods Used to Hack Into Accounts as Scammers Steal N10bn

  • Nigerian banks have once again issued warnings to customers on the need to remain vigilant as fraudsters devise new methods to steal account details
  • The latest warning is coming from Wema Bank and also Ecobank to their customers on the new method devised by scammers
  • Hope Payment Service Bank was recently hacked, with over N10 billion stolen and shared among 818 bank accounts

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

Nigerian banks have once again renewed their warning to customers about the need to protect their bank accounts.

The bank warned that fraudsters now deploy new methods to gain access to bank accounts, using fake calls, text messages, emails, and social media to deceive unsuspecting victims.

Wema Bank, Ecobank join others to warn Nigerians on fraudsters new tricks to hack into back accounts
Nigerians warned against fraudsters' tricks to hack into their bank accounts. Photo: Benson Ibeabuchi
Source: Getty Images

The latest warning is coming from Wema Bank and also Ecobank to their customers on the new method devised by scammers.

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Wema Bank issues scam alert

Wema Bank urged customers not to click suspicious links or respond to strange messages claiming to be from the bank.

The bank posted:

“Scam Alert! Never click on suspicious links or respond to strange messages claiming to be from Wema Bank. Always confirm through our official channels: 07000PURPLE or 08039003700. Stay safe. Stay alert.”

Wema also reminded customers to verify all communication by contacting Purple Connect directly through its official numbers.

Ecobank warns against fraudulent calls

Ecobank also cautioned customers to be wary of fraudsters posing as bank officials in calls and to not share sensitive information.

The message read:

“Scammers are calling don’t pick up trouble! The holidays may be over, but fraudsters are still at work. They may call pretending to be your bank, asking for account details, or search your social media for personal information they can exploit.”

The bank advised customers to:

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"Hang up on unexpected calls requesting banking information Never share personal details over the phone. Think twice before posting sensitive information online."

Ecobank stressed on the need for customers to stay vigilant and to keep money and personal information safe.

It added:

"Stay vigilant all year round. Keep your money and personal information safe. For more safety tips, visit ecobank.com/ecobankassist. Think before you act!"
Protect your account information, banks tell customers
Bank customers urged to stay vigilant and protect account details Photo: Nurphoto
Source: Getty Images

First Bank also released a similar message warning customers against scams.

The post on X reads:

"Being scam conscious cannot be over emphasized. This season, let’s be at alert and cautious.
Please note: Do not disclose your PINs, passwords, OTPs, and other personal banking details to anyone as FirstBank will never ask for these details.
"FirstBank will never redirect you to a WhatsApp or Telegram platform to treat your complaints."

Scammers steal N10 billion from Nigerian bank

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an additional 30-day freezing of 818 bank accounts suspected of being involved in the alleged proceeds of crime from an N10 billion cyberattack on Hope Payment Service Bank.

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The court gave the 30-day freezing order to help the bank recover the funds which were moved into the accounts in a July cyber heist.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.