FG queries Wema Bank over data breach, illegal accounts opening
The Federal Government through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has queried Wema Bank Plc over illegal banking practice in the country.
This comes after allegations that the bank and its agents have been opening unauthorised accounts for customers with information sourced from their Bank Verification Number (BVN) details.
In a tweet posted on its official handle on Friday, the commission said the situation was becoming widespread and should not be ‘secretly tackled’.
“Can Wema Bank comment publicly on the message that consumers without Wema Bank accounts are receiving across the country, allegedly from the bank? This situation is widespread and cannot be a DM issue anymore. Wema Bank has to come clean,” the tweet from the commission read.
In a chat with THE WITNESS on Friday, a journalist (names withheld) who had hitherto not had an account Wema, said that despite not operating any account with the bank, the lender opened an account on his behalf with information sourced from his BVN.
“I don’t have any account with Wema Bank but I was shocked when I begin to receive messages from them via my email linked to my BVN, informing me that my account was safe with them.
“I have contacted the bank to report the development but to no avail. They have continued to send same mail.
“This means someone is using my details for banking transactions. It’s fraud and I shall seek legal redress,” he said.
Another lady who simply identified herself as Arya Stark, had tweeted about the bank’s incessant messages, going on to describe the action as a violation of data rights.
“Hey Wema Bank! I dont own a wema bank acct, never owned one. The other day, I got OTP, now I got emails like I’m a customer. I have also read some fraudulent activities in your bank. This is a violation of data rights with CBN. I need a lawyer!,” her tweet read.
Wema Bank responded to her tweet, requesting that she send them a private message so that the issue could be addressed.
The FCCPC will, however immediately step in, requesting that the bank tell the general public what the messages are all about.
Wema Bank did not respond to THE WITNESS’ enquires as at press time.
Report Credit: The Witness