REAL JOKE: Nigerians and BVN

Bank Verification Number commonly called BVN, for short, is a biometric identification system initiated by Central Bank Of Nigeria to check, curb or reduce fraud or illegal transactions in the banking system, by giving every bank customer a unique identification number that is verifiable. It is another important step the CBN is using to strengthen banking transaction security, and to ensure that fraudulent transactions are minimised, if not totally eliminated.

Ironically, many jobless Nigerians are using or trying to use the Bank Verification Number to defraud others that are not aware of their plans, by (using a GSM number ) sending messages like:

"BANK ALERT: Dear Customer, due to our BVN System Upgrade your ATM Card has been De-activated, for Re-activation call Customer Care 070xxxxxxxx for help"

I think, their major or ultimate aim(at the end of your discussions with them) is to obtain your bank details such as ATM card secret pin code, BVN, etc.

Therefore, you should be careful with your bank details in order not to fall prey to these fraudsters that are disguising themselves as either the apex(Central Bank of Nigeria) or commercial banks in Nigeria.

There is another message that looks more authentic, as it's this time not sent by a GSM number rather by "BVN" which reads thus:

" Dear customer, do you know that you can confirm your bank verification number (BVN) from your phone? Simply dial *565*0#. This service costs N20."

I have been receiving this message, sometimes four or five times a day. The frequency at which this message is sent always put fear in me as this can cause convulsion in children, lols! Seriously, am concerned because the rate at which most Nigerians are trying to easily make money from others is alerming. They use various means possible or at their disposal, be it internet, GSM, or whichever way in their arsenal.

However, my main aim of writing this article is to know the authenticity of the last message above which is always sent to people by "BVN"( because without being told, we already know that those or that sent with GSM number referring one to call a so... customer care number, is fake). Who is this "BVN"? Is this "BVN" from Central Bank of Nigeria? Is it MTN, GLO, AIRTEL, ETISALAT or Mr. or Mrs/Ms Somebody?

Who knows this so called "BVN" should let us know, or this so called "BVN" should let us know if it or the message is real, and not a way of fraudulently having access to people's bank details.