Fraud: Access Bank Urges Customers to be Vigilant

^{Access Bank has urged its customers to remain vigilant and beware of the common tricks used by fraudsters to rob them of their monies.}

^{Victor Etuokwu, executive director of Retail Banking, Access Bank Plc, expressed concern about the growing number of fraud cases being reported.}

^{He implored customers to take more responsibility in safeguarding their funds and offered reassurance of the bank’s commitment to providing information relevant to identifying and fending off fraudsters.}

^{He said: “Over the last few months, the number of reported fraud cases has spiked considerably.}

^{This is not unexpected as the current economic hardships experienced due to COVID-19 have caused many to be vulnerable.}

^{However, this trend has become very disturbing, while we urge customers to become more aware of the tactics employed by fraudsters. Access Bank will continue to educate customers on how to avoid falling victims as well as deploy resources to ensure the security of customers’ funds.}

^{“The bank has identified smishing, phishing, social engineering, and identity theft as the most common methods used by fraudsters.}

^{To aid the fight against this common enemy, we have put more power in the hands of our customers, through the 901911# USSD code. We have provided a platform through which customers can immediately deactivate their USSD profile by dialling 901911# from any phone in the event their mobile devices get lost or stolen.”}

^{Responding to queries made by customers about the fraudsters approaching them, while disguising as the bank’s staff, Etuokwu added that “customers should be on alert as the bank will never ask for personal information such PIN, BVN, 16-digit card number, CVV, Password, OTP or Authentication Code for the mobile banking app. We urge our customers to ignore such calls, text messages or emails”.}