Access Bank Plc has assured customers and the general public that it remains financially strong and fully operational after false reports claiming the bank had shut down began circulating on social media and WhatsApp.
The bank described the viral message as completely false and urged customers not to believe or spread the misleading information. According to Access Bank, the fake notice was designed to imitate its official communication channels in an attempt to cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
In a statement released on Thursday, the bank reaffirmed that all its banking services are functioning normally across Nigeria and in every country where it operates. It stressed that customers can continue to use its branches, digital banking platforms, ATMs, and other financial services without any interruption.
Access Bank said it remains one of Nigeria’s strongest financial institutions and is fully committed to delivering reliable banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporate clients.
The statement noted that the institution continues to operate with financial stability while maintaining high standards of customer service.
The bank also expressed concern over the spread of false information, saying such rumours can damage public confidence and disrupt business activities. It warned that the creators and distributors of the fake shutdown notice would not go unpunished.
According to the bank, it is already working with the appropriate regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities to trace those responsible for producing and sharing the misleading message.
Access Bank stated that anyone found responsible would face legal consequences under Nigerian law.
The bank reminded Nigerians that publishing or sharing false information capable of causing public fear, damaging an organisation’s reputation, or creating unnecessary panic is a criminal offence under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Management explained that the law provides penalties for individuals who deliberately spread false information online or through digital communication channels with the intention of misleading the public.
The financial institution therefore appealed to customers to verify any information about the bank through its official communication platforms before accepting or forwarding it.
It also advised the public to ignore messages from unverified sources, especially those circulating on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other social media platforms.
Access Bank encouraged customers to rely only on announcements published through its verified website, official social media accounts, customer care channels, and authorised representatives.
The bank said fighting misinformation requires collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to think carefully before forwarding messages that have not been confirmed.
The reassurance comes at a time when false information spreads rapidly across digital platforms, sometimes affecting businesses, public institutions, and consumer confidence. Financial experts have repeatedly advised customers to verify banking-related announcements from official sources to avoid becoming victims of misinformation.
Access Bank concluded by thanking its customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued trust and support, while reaffirming its commitment to providing secure, dependable, and uninterrupted banking services across all its operations.
Access Bank Dismisses Fake Shutdown Rumours, Assures Customers of Stable Operations
Category: Banking
Tags: Access Bank, Banking News, Nigeria, Cybercrime, Financial Services, Social Media, Fake News, Customers, Business News, Banking Sector
Access Bank Plc has assured customers and the general public that it remains financially strong and fully operational after false reports claiming the bank had shut down began circulating on social media and WhatsApp.
The bank described the viral message as completely false and urged customers not to believe or spread the misleading information. According to Access Bank, the fake notice was designed to imitate its official communication channels in an attempt to cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
In a statement released on Thursday, the bank reaffirmed that all its banking services are functioning normally across Nigeria and in every country where it operates. It stressed that customers can continue to use its branches, digital banking platforms, ATMs, and other financial services without any interruption.
Access Bank said it remains one of Nigeria’s strongest financial institutions and is fully committed to delivering reliable banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporate clients.
The statement noted that the institution continues to operate with financial stability while maintaining high standards of customer service.
The bank also expressed concern over the spread of false information, saying such rumours can damage public confidence and disrupt business activities. It warned that the creators and distributors of the fake shutdown notice would not go unpunished.
According to the bank, it is already working with the appropriate regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities to trace those responsible for producing and sharing the misleading message.
Access Bank stated that anyone found responsible would face legal consequences under Nigerian law.
The bank reminded Nigerians that publishing or sharing false information capable of causing public fear, damaging an organisation’s reputation, or creating unnecessary panic is a criminal offence under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Management explained that the law provides penalties for individuals who deliberately spread false information online or through digital communication channels with the intention of misleading the public.
The financial institution therefore appealed to customers to verify any information about the bank through its official communication platforms before accepting or forwarding it.
It also advised the public to ignore messages from unverified sources, especially those circulating on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and other social media platforms.
Access Bank encouraged customers to rely only on announcements published through its verified website, official social media accounts, customer care channels, and authorised representatives.
The bank said fighting misinformation requires collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to think carefully before forwarding messages that have not been confirmed.
The reassurance comes at a time when false information spreads rapidly across digital platforms, sometimes affecting businesses, public institutions, and consumer confidence. Financial experts have repeatedly advised customers to verify banking-related announcements from official sources to avoid becoming victims of misinformation.
Access Bank concluded by thanking its customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued trust and support, while reaffirming its commitment to providing secure, dependable, and uninterrupted banking services across all its operations.
