'Block account' - Access Bank, Zenith, others advice customers as Nigerians lose N51bn to criminals

Nigerian banks have taken action to protect their customers from the increasing fraud in the country.

This is on the back of a Leadership report that Nigerian banking customers have lost a whopping N51 billion in savings to fraud as cybercriminals are now targeting Fintech bank customers.

Reports of frauds using various schemes have particularly heightened as Nigerians prepare for Christmas and the new year and fraudsters seek more victims.

In order not to fall for fraudulent schemes, banks are passing important messages to their customers on the security of their funds.

First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and other Nigerian banks have intensified efforts to educate their customers on what to do to prevent fraudulent activities in their accounts.

Their warnings convey messages on how to shield pins from another party and how their accounts can be protected in the case of lost gadgets.

A recent Access Bank message to customers spelt out different ways customers can protect themselves;

Memorize your pin, do not write it out anywhere, do not tell your pin to anyone.

Always shield your pin with your body or hands when using an ATM or POS machine.

Choose a card pin that is hard to guess, and always use a new pin for a new card.

Dial *901*911# to block your account, or log on to the AccessMore app to block your card if you suspect compromise or loss of your device.

Visit the closest Access bank branch, call or send an email to the contact centre.

In a similar message, Zenith Bank sent an important warning for customers to always monitor their accounts. It pointed out the following rules;

Check your account balance regularly. Call us immediately on +234 1 278 7000, if you suspect fraudulent transactions.

Keep your card in a safe place where no one else has access to it. Keep your card in sight at all times to ensure no one copies your card details (to avoid skimming/cloning)

Never send your Credit Card number by email.

The Bank will never ask you to update your card details online or via email. Report any request to do so immediately to the Bank.