For many Nigerians, scam calls, phishing messages, and fake websites are becoming increasingly difficult to identify as fraudsters adopt more convincing ways to impersonate trusted institutions and services.
Recent incidents shared online show how easily everyday interactions can turn into financial risks.
In one case, a Nigerian user shared on X how she lost almost N400,000 after clicking a link relating to an alleged FRSC traffic offence and entering her card details on what appeared to be a website.
The experience highlights how increasingly convincing phishing attempts can be, particularly when they appear to come from familiar institutions or government services.
The challenge is not limited to phishing links. In another social media post, a user described how money was subsequently debited from his account after his mobile phone was stolen. In situations like this, losing a device can quickly become a broader concern about the security of the financial accounts connected to it.
While digital payment fraud losses in Nigeria fell by 51% to N25.85 billion in 2025, NIBSS says social engineering remains a significant concern, with phishing, SIM-swap fraud and account compromise continuing to evolve.
For customers, the impact can extend beyond financial loss. A compromised account or stolen phone can disrupt everyday transactions and create uncertainty about whether their money is truly safe.
It is against this backdrop that PalmPay is placing greater emphasis on helping customers recognise potential threats and make better use of the security tools available to them through its ‘PalmPay Dey For You’ campaign.
For example, customers whose phones are lost or stolen can use *861*12# USSD Lock to restrict access to their PalmPay account and reduce the risk of unauthorised transactions.
For customers concerned about activity during late hours, Night Guard allows customers to set protection hours between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, with additional verification required for transfers during the selected period. Large Transaction Shield provides additional verification for large-value transactions.
The experiences being shared by Nigerians reinforce an important reality: safer digital banking depends on both strong security systems and customers understanding how to recognise and respond to threats.
PalmPay reminds customers to avoid sharing sensitive information such as PINs, OTPs, and passwords. Customers are also encouraged to be cautious with unexpected links and messages, verify who is contacting them, and use available security controls when they suspect their account may be at risk.
The upgraded PalmPay Security Center brings these protection tools and secure support options together, giving customers greater control over their account.
As scams become increasingly convincing, experiences like these show why customers need both the awareness to recognise threats and the tools to respond when something goes wrong.
‘PalmPay Dey For You’ is PalmPay’s commitment to providing secure, reliable, and accessible financial services while continuously strengthening the systems, tools, and education that support safer digital banking.
Customers can update their PalmPay app, explore the available security features, and visit the PalmPay Security Centre to learn more.
