TheCable

Access Bank has advised customers to be vigilant because the number of reported fraud cases is increasing.

In a statement on Thursday, Victor Etuokwu, the executive director for retail banking, urged customers to take more responsibility in safeguarding their funds and assured that the bank is committed to providing information relevant to identifying and fending off fraudsters.

“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 has caused many to be vulnerable,” Etuokwu said.

“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 *901*911# USSD code.

“We have provided a platform through which customers can immediately deactivate their USSD profile by dialling *901*911# from any phone in the event their mobile devices get lost or stolen.”

Etuokwu said the bank has created dedicated pages on its official website that constantly educate customers on the schemes and tricks employed by fraudsters.

“Customers should be on alert as the Bank will never ask for personal information such as 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.”