In recent years, the landscape of financial transactions in Nigeria has witnessed a profound transformation with the advent of Fintech banks.
While these innovative platforms were initially designed to provide efficient payment solutions, a disturbing trend has emerged, revealing the vulnerability of Fintech customers to cybercriminals.
Sadly, the consequences of this growing menace are far-reaching, posing threats such as capital flight, loss of confidence in the financial sector, and a failure of anti-graft agencies and industry regulators to address the crisis adequately.
The statistics are alarming, indicating that Nigerian banking customers have lost a staggering N51 billion to fraud between 2019 and July 2023.
It is instructive to note the surge in these incidents is attributed to the cash crunch resulting from the naira redesign and cash withdrawal limit policies implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
While traditional banking institutions grapple with these challenges, Fintech banks find themselves increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to perceived weaknesses in their security measures.
One of the primary factors contributing to the rise in cyber fraud within the Fintech sector is the misunderstanding of the platforms’ intended purpose.
READ ALSO: Fintech: Nigerians Lose N51bn To Cybercriminals
Market participants, artisans, and entrepreneurs have erroneously treated Fintech banks as deposit money banks, leading to substantial withdrawals from traditional banks into these Fintech platforms.
What’s more, there are concerns of connivance by insiders as well as the void created by cybersecurity experts who have abandoned Nigeria for greener pastures.
The consequence has been an increased number of individuals falling victim to fraudulent activities, with cybercriminals exploiting the porous security of these payment platforms.
The implications extend beyond financial losses, as reports of victims facing difficulties in recovering their funds become more prevalent.
Perpetrators leverage Point of Sale (PoS) machines and online trading platforms, leaving victims with little recourse for restitution.
The lack of physical offices for many Fintech banks further compounds the challenge of recovering stolen funds, exacerbating the sense of helplessness experienced by defrauded customers.
The rising rate of fraud has not gone unnoticed, with rumors circulating on social media platforms suggesting that some Fintechs may be on the brink of closure. Individual accounts of loss and frustration, such as a trader’s experience at the Opay office after losing over N20,000, underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis.
As a result, it is imperative to explore comprehensive solutions that not only mitigate the risks but also bolster the resilience of Fintech platforms against cyber threats.
One proposed solution is the adoption of blockchain technology by Fintech companies. Blockchain, as an advanced database mechanism, provides transparent information sharing within a business network.
Co-founder of VPD Money, Adeleke Mohammed, emphasizes that blockchain can significantly reduce fraud by recording transactions in a tamper-resistant manner.
This technology ensures that all parties involved in a transaction verify and validate it, adding an additional layer of security against unauthorized transfers.
Moreover, Fintech companies must prioritize the implementation of robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. Adequate onboarding processes that adhere to KYC policies and anti-money laundering regulations can act as a deterrent to fraudsters attempting to exploit the platform.
Fintechs should establish dedicated fraud departments responsible for monitoring transactions, identifying anomalies, and taking proactive measures to prevent fraudulent activities.
Education is another critical aspect of addressing the current crisis. Fintech companies should invest in customer awareness programs, enlightening users on best practices to secure their information.
Introducing biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint verification or facial recognition, can add an extra layer of security, ensuring that even in the event of a lost phone, unauthorized access to funds remains a formidable challenge.
Needless to say, the escalating threat of cyber fraud in the Fintech sector demands urgent attention and proactive measures. The collaboration between Fintech companies, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies is crucial to creating a secure and resilient financial ecosystem.
By adopting technologies like blockchain, strengthening KYC procedures, and prioritizing customer education, the Fintech industry can overcome the current challenges and continue to play a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.
