Access Bank Launches Campaign to Shield Teens from Scam

Access Bank has launched a nationwide fraud awareness campaign called the Spot the Scam Initiative, aimed at protecting young teenagers and students aged 12 to 19 from financial scams. The initiative is designed to equip young people with the knowledge to recognize and resist scams, as they are the primary target for fraudsters.

According to Solomon Abiakalam, Chief Conduct and Compliance Officer of Access Bank, fraudsters target young people because they either become victims or perpetrators of financial crimes. He emphasized that financial crimes are non-violent but often more destructive than physical violence, and the bank is committed to raising a generation that remains unbroken in the face of pressure to engage in or fall prey to fraud.

The initiative consists of two main components: a nationwide education drive for schools across Nigeria, and an interactive digital platform featuring quizzes, games, leaderboards, and progress tracking. Students can enroll through their schools or independently on the digital platform, with the goal of turning participants into scam busters.

The bank stresses the importance of parents in this effort, stating that homes should remain safe spaces where children can report online experiences without fear of shame or judgment. The initiative aims to expand engagement with parents and teachers as the program develops, with a focus on the age group most aggressively targeted by fraudsters and those involved in money laundering activities.