FirstBank of Nigeria has officially responded to a viral WhatsApp voice note alleging that its FirstMobile banking application was compromised, categorically dismissing the claim as false and misleading. The bank reassured customers that their funds remain safe and that all digital banking channels are secure and fully operational.
FirstBank Responds to Viral WhatsApp Voice Note
The controversy began when a voice message circulated widely on WhatsApp, claiming that FirstMobile had suffered a security breach. Given the central role of digital banking in daily transactions across Nigeria, such claims can quickly alarm customers concerned about their savings and personal information.
In a statement reported by Proshare, FirstBank said there was no basis for the alarm. The lender stated unequivocally that the allegation that FirstMobile had been compromised was “false and misleading.”
“FirstMobile is secure and fully operational, supported by robust information security infrastructure,” the bank said. It also assured customers and stakeholders that their funds remained safe and that its digital banking channels were operating securely.
Bank Assures Customers Their Funds Are Safe
FirstBank emphasized that it continues to invest in technology and cybersecurity systems designed to protect customers and strengthen the resilience and reliability of its digital platforms. These investments cover FirstMobile and its other digital channels, as financial institutions face increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats and online fraud.
“We assure our customers and other stakeholders that their funds remain safe and secure,” FirstBank said. The bank’s response is particularly significant because unverified claims about banks can spread rapidly across WhatsApp and other social media platforms, potentially causing customers to make decisions based on inaccurate information.
Customers Warned Against Spreading Unverified Claims
FirstBank advised customers to rely on information released through its verified communication channels. The bank urged the public to disregard the viral voice message and avoid forwarding it to others, warning that sharing unverified information could create unnecessary concern among customers and stakeholders.
The statement represents the bank’s direct response to the circulating allegation. Customers are encouraged to continue following verified security notices from the bank, particularly if any further information concerning FirstMobile or other digital services is released.
For now, FirstBank maintains that FirstMobile has not been compromised, its digital channels remain operational, and customers’ funds are secure. The bank’s firm stance aims to quell panic and reinforce trust in its digital banking infrastructure.
