Opay, a leading financial technology platform in Nigeria, has issued a firm denial regarding a viral social media post claiming it is distributing N5,000 to users as a Christmas gift. The company has labeled the claim as false and is urging its customers to remain vigilant against potential scams.
Details of the Viral Christmas Claim
The false information began circulating on Thursday, December 26, 2025. A user on the social media platform X posted a message stating, “Opay just sent every user N5,000 for Christmas Celebration. Did you receive yours?” The post was accompanied by an image to make it appear legitimate.
By the time the news reached the press, this misleading post had gained significant traction, amassing over 1,500 views, 85 likes, 63 comments, and 65 reposts. This rapid spread prompted an official response from the company to protect its user base.
Opay's Official Statement and Security Warning
In a clear statement released on Friday, December 27, Opay categorically refuted the giveaway claim. “Opay is not giving money to anyone during this festive season,” the company declared.
Going beyond a simple denial, the fintech used the opportunity to issue a crucial security advisory. It warned users to be extremely cautious of scammers, especially those who ask for sensitive personal or financial information. The company specifically highlighted the danger of sharing one's Bank Verification Number (BVN).
“Beware of scammers, do not transfer money to strangers, never share your BVN to anyone,” Opay emphasized in its statement. The platform consistently advises its customers to avoid clicking on dubious links, revealing passwords, or responding to suspicious communications via call, email, or text. Users are also encouraged to report any unusual activity in their accounts immediately.
A Recurring Pattern of Fake Giveaways
This recent incident is not an isolated one. In 2024, similar fraudulent schemes involving Opay's name circulated on platforms like Facebook. One promoted a non-existent N100,000 giveaway, asking users to submit their phone numbers. Another deceptive post linked to a blog about “Elderly care jobs in the USA with visa sponsorships,” exposing it as a bait scam designed to harvest personal data.
These repeated attempts underscore the importance of obtaining information directly from official company channels and maintaining a healthy skepticism towards too-good-to-be-true offers online, particularly during festive periods when such scams tend to multiply.
Recognition for Excellence in Fintech and Security
In a separate but related development, Opay's commitment to security was recently recognized at a high-profile industry event. On November 29, the mobile banking platform was honored with two awards at the 9th Tech Innovation Awards: Fintech Company of the Year and Best Fintech in Cybersecurity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chukwudinma Okafor, Chief Compliance Officer at OPay, stated, “These awards are a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence in fintech and our unwavering commitment to user security. Every innovation we introduce, from secure payments to advanced compliance measures, is designed to give millions of Nigerians the confidence to transact safely.”
This accolade reinforces the company's stated focus on protecting its users, making its warnings against scams all the more pertinent.
