If you transferred money to the wrong account by mistake and the owner blocked you, or if you later realized you had been scammed and the bank is refusing to cooperate.
Here are the steps you must take:
1. Write down the page’s or person’s full name and account number.
2. Copy the “TRANSACTION ID NUMBER” from the most recent notification your bank sent you after you made the payment (via mobile app or text).
3. Go to any branch of the scammer’s bank (the bank to which you transferred) and ask to speak with the CUSTOMER SERVICE representative in charge of FRAUD.
While you’re there, request the bank’s official email address, then send an email to SCAMMER’S BANK or the bank you wrongfully paid to, copying CBN FRAUD DESK “[email protected]” and “[email protected]” and “[email protected].” This will prompt the bank to take action quickly.
The scammer’s account will be HOLDED. The BVN will be identified, the account blocked and he will be unable to conduct banking transactions in that name until he clears himself with the bank.
That is, he or she cannot transfer or withdraw funds until they visit the bank, and when they do, the bank contacts the police, and the suspect, if proven guilty, signs a waiver allowing the bank to refund your money.
If this doesn’t work and your money hasn’t been refunded within 7 working days, try this.
1. File a complaint with a written statement at the police station, clearly stating all relevant information about the transaction. (Optional: send the same complaint to “[email protected]” at the EFCC’s email address.)
2. Go to court and get a court order, then go to the bank with the court order. The bank will then be forced to freeze the scammer’s account. You can do it all yourself; it will be simpler. If you have a good attorney.
3. The fraudster will be forced to visit his bank to file a complaint, as the account will be frozen.
4. The account owner will be arrested and turned over to the police, and your money will be returned to you.
NOTE: Without a court order, no bank will freeze a customer’s account.
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