Someone called saying they are from my bank and asked for my BVN. What should I do?
Hang up. Your bank will not call to ask for your PIN, OTP or password, and you should not give your BVN to someone who called you. If you shared anything, call your bank on the number on the back of your card or in its app.
The caller often knows your name and the bank you use, which makes the call feel real. They may say your account will be blocked or your BVN must be "updated" or "linked".
With your BVN, date of birth and an OTP, a scammer can try to take over your accounts. The OTP is the key they are really after.
What to do
- End the call. Do not press any number they ask you to press.
- Never share a PIN, OTP, password or the full card number.
- Call your bank yourself using the official number.
- If you shared details, ask the bank to block the card and watch the account.
Frequently asked questions
- They knew my account number. How?
- Account numbers are often shared for payments and can leak. Knowing it does not make the caller your bank.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for ₦2,500.
Check a person