In recent years, Nigeria has seen a surge in financial fraud, with fake bank alerts becoming one of the most common scams. Among these, fake Access Bank alerts have particularly victimized unsuspecting business owners, traders, and even individuals receiving payments.
Fraudsters send fake SMS notifications or manipulated screenshots that mimic genuine bank alerts, tricking victims into believing they’ve received payment. By the time the victim realizes the money never arrived, the scammer has disappeared with goods, services, or cash. Read Nigeria’s Persistent Poverty Traps: A Paul Collier Analysis.
This self-help guide will expose:
- How fake Access Bank alert scams work
- Real-life cases of victims
- How fraudsters manipulate bank alerts
- How to verify payments before releasing goods
- What to do if you’ve been scammed
- Legal actions against fake alert fraudsters
1. How Fake Access Bank Alert Scams Work
Step 1: The Fraudster Poses as a Buyer
Scammers often target:
- POS operators (fake transfers for cash withdrawals)
- Online sellers (Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram)
- Landlords & car dealers (fake rent/vehicle payments)
- Market traders (bulk goods purchases)
They often claim to make a bank transfer but instead send a fraudulent SMS notification or a tampered screenshot designed to look authentic. These tactics are used to create a false impression of completed payment, tricking the recipient into believing the transaction is legitimate.
Step 2: The Fake Alert is Sent
Fraudsters use:
- Edited SMS messages (mimicking Access Bank’s format)
- Fake banking apps (modified to show fake balances)
- Photoshopped screenshots (of a “successful” transfer)
Step 3: Pressure Tactics
To rush the victim, scammers may:
- Claim they’re in a hurry
- Pretend the alert is delayed due to “network issues”
- Act offended if questioned
Step 4: Disappearing Act
Once goods or cash are handed over, the scammer blocks the victim’s number and vanishes.
2. Real-Life Cases of Fake Access Bank Alerts
Case 1: POS Operator Loses ₦5 Million
According to a report from Daily Trust, a Point of Sale (POS) operator, Mansur Ahmad, suffered a devastating loss of approximately N5m to a suspected fraud syndicate, commonly referred to as yahoo boys, in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident has raised concerns about the growing threats faced by POS operators in the region.
Case 2: Car Dealer Scammed of ₦1.5 Million
According to a detailed report published by The Nation, a 34-year-old individual posing as a car dealer, identified as Oke Oladipupo, has been accused of engaging in fraudulent activities. Allegedly, he deceived and swindled a man out of a significant sum of N1.5 million under false pretenses connected to the sale of a vehicle.
3: How Fraudsters Create Fake Alerts
1. SMS Spoofing
Scammers use apps like:
- Fake SMS Generator (iFake Text Messages)
- TextNow (for foreign numbers)
- Modified banking apps
2. Photoshop & Screen Recording Tricks
- Editing a real alert to change amounts
- Using screen recordings with fake balances
3. Network Manipulation (Fake USSD Responses)
Some fraudsters exploit USSD delays to claim “pending transactions.”
4: How to Detect & Avoid Fake Access Bank Alerts
1. Always Check Your Account Balance
- Use USSD: Dial *906# (Access Bank)
- Log in to Internet Banking or the mobile app
2. Look for Red Flags in the Alert
- Sender Number: Access Bank’s official SMS number is 901 (not random digits).
- Grammar Errors: Fake alerts often have typos.
- No Transaction Reference: Genuine alerts include a transaction ID.
3. Call Access Bank Customer Care
- Dial 01-2702005 or +234 1-2702005 (for international) to confirm.
4. Wait for Funds to Reflect
- Never release goods based on SMS alone.
- Some transfers take minutes to hours (especially interbank).
5. Use QR Codes or Payment Links
- Access Bank’s PayWithCapture generates secure payment links.
5: What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
1. Report to Access Bank Immediately
- Visit the nearest branch with the scammer’s details.
2. File a Police Report
- Visit the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) or NCC (Nigerian Communications Commission).
3. Track the Fraudster (If Possible)
- Check CCTV (if in a physical store).
- Retrieve phone records (if a mobile transaction).
4. Warn Others
- Post on social media groups to alert other sellers.
6: Legal Consequences for Fake Alert Scammers
Under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2015, fake bank alerts are punishable with:
- Up to 7 years imprisonment
- Heavy fines
The EFCC has arrested multiple fraudsters for this crime.
Conclusion: Stay Alert & Verify Every Payment
Fake Access Bank alerts are a growing threat, but verification is the best defense. Always:
✅ Check your balance via USSD/app
✅ Look for official sender numbers (901)
✅ Wait for funds to reflect before releasing goods
✅ Report scams immediately
