If your BVN has been exposed
A leaked BVN doesn't let anyone take your money on its own. The risk is that scammers combine it with other details, such as your phone number, to sound convincing, to try to take over an account, or to open accounts and loans in your name. Your BVN can't be changed, so the goal is to catch misuse early.
Do this first
- Treat every call or message about your BVN as suspicious if you didn't start it yourself. Your bank will not phone, text or WhatsApp you to confirm your BVN, PIN or an OTP.
- Look at your accounts. Check the last few weeks of transactions in each bank app. Note anything you don't recognise.
- Tell your bank. Call the number on the back of your card or in the official app. Say your BVN may be exposed and ask them to review your account security.
- Ask which phone number and email are linked to your BVN. Make sure they are yours, and ask the bank to update them if not.
- Turn on transaction alerts by SMS or email for every account you have.
Then
- Check for loans or accounts you didn't open. Ask each licensed credit bureau for your credit report. You are usually entitled to a free report at least once a year. Look for lenders you don't know.
- Watch for loan-app charges. Some instant-loan apps lend using stolen details. If you get repayment demands for a loan you never took, don't pay. Ask the lender for proof and report it to your bank and to the consumer protection commission.
- Make sure your phone number is safe. If it suddenly loses signal, read the SIM-swap guide.
- If money has gone, report to your bank first, then to the police. Keep every reference number.
- If a company leaked it, you can ask what data it holds about you and complain to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
Going forward
- Share your BVN only with your bank or a lender you chose to use.
- Don't post or send photos of your ID, bank card or bank statements.
- Use a different password for every account, and keep your email the safest of all.