Fraud Alert: Palmpay, Opay take action, announces account changes, customers to update

OPay and Palmpay have announced key changes to how customers get verified on their platforms.

The two digital banking platforms made the changes in response to reports of loopholes exploited by fraudsters when opening accounts.

Opay makes changes

For Opay, there are changes in the identification method of securing bank accounts during the onboarding process.

According to a statement made available to Legit.ng, customers will now have to provide a bank account verification to help users authenticate BVN.

The company said the process was included because a BVN backs every account. Opay statement reads:

“We introduced the bank account verification to help users authenticate BVN more conveniently (for example, where a user forgets their BVN).

"For biometric validation, our system will verify the face of the user with that on the BVN database or double-check with the user’s real-name.

"This is combined with an OTP process which then certifies authenticity of the user.

"This is more so, consistent with the CBN’s latest guidelines mandating BVN/NIN verification for Tier 1 users."

Palmpay also announces new changes

Similarly, PalmPay has launched a new security in-app version that mandates all new users to input their BVN or NIN numbers before a wallet can be created.

The company said the product launch is in response to the Central Bank of Nigeria's recent directive on promoting financial system stability by strengthening the Know Your Customer (KYC) procedure for customers.

Legit.ng understands it is also in response to concerns about weak customer security checks during onboarding.

Speaking on the upgrade, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay, said the changes are for existing and new users having BVN or NIN.

His words:

“We are committed to ensuring compliance and fostering a secure financial ecosystem.

“As a forward-thinking fintech platform, we believe that this measure will enhance the overall security of users' wallets and the protection of users' data while providing seamless financial services.

“Through various in-app activities, we have always encouraged our users to link their wallets with their BVN or NIN. We are fully aligned to drive the new Directive.”

Operating under the Mobile Money Operator license, PalmPay's wallet opening process requires new users to provide their NIN or BVN number.

Nwosu added. "Also, to limit incidents of impersonation, after the successful input of the NIN or BVN, users will be required to proceed to the face recognition process.

“In all of this, we believe this measure will reduce fraudulent activities and provide a safe banking environment for all. We encourage users to update their KYC information on the app to ensure compliance with the Directive."