- Safiu Kehinde
Access Bank Plc has debunked a purported shutdown notice circulating on social media and WhatsApp.
The bank assured customers and stakeholders that it remains financially strong and fully operational as it labelled the fake notice as impersonation.
Access bank gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday, saying all its banking operations and subsidiaries were functioning normally and delivering uninterrupted services to customers.
It said it was working with relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible for originating and circulating the false information.
‘A message impersonating Access Bank’s official handle is currently circulating on social media and WhatsApp. It is false and misleading.
‘We wish to reassure our customers, partners, stakeholders, and the public that Access Bank is safe, financially strong, and fully operational across all our subsidiaries.
‘Our services continue to run seamlessly, and we remain committed to serving our customers with the highest standards of excellence.’ The statement partly read.
According to the bank, legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable in accordance with applicable laws.
‘We are working closely with the relevant regulatory and law enforcement authorities to identify those responsible for creating and spreading this false information to cause panic and business disruption. Appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.’ The bank stated.
Access Bank reminded the public that creating and disseminating false information capable of causing public alarm, damaging reputations or undermining confidence in institutions is an offence under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The bank urged members of the public to disregard the fake notice and refrain from sharing or forwarding it.
It also advised customers and other stakeholders to rely only on information published through its official and verified communication channels.
‘We also remind members of the public that creating, publishing, and disseminating false information capable of causing public alarm, damaging reputations, or undermining confidence in institutions constitutes an offence under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
‘If you receive a false and misleading message, please do not share or forward it. Instead, disregard it and rely only on information communicated through Access Bank’s official and verified channels.
‘We thank our customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued trust and confidence in Access Bank.’ The statement read further.