CBN warns against fake E-Naira social media handles

On Oct 29, 2021

Following the formal launch of the digital currency, E-Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters and fake eNaira Social Media Handles.

The apex bank issued the warning via a circular signed by its Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr Osita Nwanisobi:

“Following the formal launch of the eNaira on Monday, October 25, 2021, the attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to criminal and illegal activities of some individuals and a fraudulent twitter handle, @enaira_cbdc purported to belong to the Bank.

“The impostor handle and fraudulent persons have been posting messages related to the eNaira with the intent of wooing unsuspecting Nigerians with claims that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among other falsities, is disbursing the sum of 50 Billion eNaira currency.

“These impostors are bent on defrauding innocent and unsuspecting members of the public through the links attached to their messages for application to obtain eNaira wallets and become beneficiaries of the said 50 billion eNaira currency.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is not the owner of that twitter handle (@enaira_cbdc) and indeed suspended its presence on Twitter following the Federal Government’s Bank.”

The CBN categorically stated that it is not disbursing eNaira currency to citizens. Consequently, members of the public were warned to beware of fraudsters who have resolved to take advantage of unsuspecting Nigerians.

“Members of the public should always endeavor to seek clarifications on information about the eNaira either by visiting the eNaira website: www.enaira.gov.ng or calling the eNaira contact centre on 080069362472 or visiting any CBN Branch nearest to them,” it said.

For clarity, the current official social media handles of the eNaira are: www.facebook.com/myenaira; www.instagram.com/myenaira and www.youtube.com/myenaira.

Any suspicious activity by members of the public should be reported to the CBN using helpdesk@enaira.gov.ng or to relevant law enforcement agencies, it added.

Amaka E. Nliam/CBN