Increasing cases of fraudulent bank alerts are becoming worrisome to operators in the Nigerian financial landscape. This is owing to the fact that many citizens fall victims of scammers on a daily basis. This crime is usually perpetuated through the use of Short Message Service (SMS) under the pretense of banks’ transaction alerts to defraud ignorant citizens. Point of Sale (PoS) operators and small scale traders are the most targeted victims. Criminals use certain Apps to carry out the crime.
These apps include Lofty SMS App, Millionaire Fake Bank Account, Flash Fund App, Money Prank Pro, and Pro and fake alert maker for Android. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has affirmed that its regulatory functions is not responsible for fake financial transactions. The Director of Corporate Communications of the CBN, Dr. AbdulMumini Isa, in his reaction to this crime, stated that although this act is condemnable, the CBN is not concerned with the regulation of issues and practices that are not within the banking arena.
This situation is becoming a threat to the investments of entrepreneurs.
This act is within the regulation of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the Telco firms, which is responsible for the telecommunication industry. However, according to a source in the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the NCC is working on partnering with the CBN to device a scheme that would help telecommunications companies and banks to block mobile phone lines or freeze any bank account traced to criminal transactions. The NCC would also be collaborating with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
NCC collaboration with NDIC would be in the aspect of electronic fraud that has to do with e-banking transfers and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) telephone lines. Fake credit alerts is regarded as one of the rising and infamous techniques through which criminals defraud business owners in many parts of Nigeria. This situation is becoming a threat to the investments of established and aspiring entrepreneurs. Recently, many Point of Sale (PoS) operators have become prey of this criminal act.
Total fraudulent cases recorded in Q1 2023 were 12,553.
In Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and others, the situation is the same as individuals and businesses, particularly Small- and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME), fall victim of this crime. A Lagos-based PoS operator, Mrs. Bimpe Oladele, narrated her ordeal, lamenting that her mum and sister were swindled by fraudsters who made a fake transfer of N30,000 and pressured them to releasing the money to them. Another PoS operator, Mrs. Ngozi Obinna, also affirmed that she had been scammed through fake credit alerts many times while running the business, even with its meagre profit.
Although there is no estimated amount of money that have been lost to the menace, a FITC report divulged that in the Q1 of 2023, Nigerian bank customers lost N472 million to fraud. It was also revealed that within the same period, the total fraudulent cases recorded were 12,553. This menace has made analysts believe that with a continuation in the current advance of technology, this act might erase the profits of the cashless policy, given that many business owners may insist on receiving cash only during sales.
Financial institutions should invest in digital research.
According to a telecoms expert, Kehinde Aluko, business owners are advised to tackle fraudulent alerts by checking their balance with their banks and not only with SMS alerts that are received on cellphones. The Chairman of Mobile Software Nigeria, Dr. Chris Uwaje, said that with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, the difficulties associated with data-chaos and information overload will exacerbate. Therefore, he advised that financial institutions in the country ensure massive investment in digital research.
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Fraudulent transactions affect Nig. business – Nigerian bank customers lost N472 million to fraud in Q1 2023. – Express your point of view.
It’s disheartening to hear about the significant financial losses that Nigerian bank customers have suffered due to fraudulent transactions. The reported loss of N472 million in just the first quarter of 2023 is alarming and highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and increased awareness among individuals and businesses.
To effectively combat fraud, it is crucial for banks and financial institutions to invest in robust cybersecurity systems and continuously update their security protocols. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, encryption technologies, and real-time monitoring to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Moreover, educating customers about common fraud schemes and providing them with tools and resources to protect themselves can go a long way in reducing the risk of falling victim to scams.
Collaboration between banks, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies is also essential in tackling fraud effectively. Sharing information and intelligence about emerging fraud trends can help identify and apprehend perpetrators, as well as develop preventive strategies to safeguard the interests of Nigerian businesses and individuals.
Furthermore, it is crucial for customers to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their financial information. Regularly reviewing account statements, promptly reporting any suspicious activities, and practicing good cybersecurity habits, such as using strong passwords and avoiding sharing sensitive information, can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to fraud.
By collectively addressing this issue, Nigerian businesses and individuals can create a more secure and resilient financial ecosystem, fostering trust and confidence in the banking sector. It is imperative for all stakeholders to work together to combat fraud, protect the interests of customers, and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of Nigeria’s business landscape.
Fraudulent transactions hurt Nigerian companies’ bottom lines. To adopt effective security measures and promote a culture of vigilance against fraud, banks, regulatory agencies, and customers must collaborate.
Banks in Nigeria have suffered because of fraudulent transactions that hurt their customers. investing in robust cybersecurity systems and regularly updating their security measures is crucial for banks and financial organizations.