
Zenith Bank Warns Public Over Fake Investment Videos
Zenith Bank Fake Investment Videos have triggered an urgent public disclaimer from Zenith Bank Plc, as the financial institution moves to counter a growing wave of fraudulent content circulating across social media platforms.
In a strongly worded statement, the bank alerted customers and the wider public to a sophisticated scam in which cybercriminals are deploying advanced deepfake technology and artificial intelligence to impersonate the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR. The manipulated videos falsely portray the respected banker endorsing high yield investment schemes that do not exist.
According to the bank, the fraudulent content is carefully designed to mislead unsuspecting individuals by replicating Dr. Ovia’s voice, facial expressions, and mannerisms, thereby creating an illusion of authenticity. The aim, management explained, is to lure victims into transferring funds under the pretense of participating in exclusive or guaranteed return investment opportunities.
Zenith Bank made it unequivocally clear that neither Dr. Jim Ovia nor the bank has authorized any such online investment promotion promising extraordinary or unrealistic returns. The institution emphasized that all legitimate product announcements, investment offerings, and corporate communications are published strictly through its verified website, official social media accounts, and physical branches nationwide.
Investigations reveal that these fraudulent advertisements typically direct viewers to click suspicious links or join private messaging groups, where they are encouraged to deposit money into untraceable or anonymous accounts. The bank cautioned the public against engaging with any such content, noting that it does not request confidential information such as account passwords, personal identification numbers, or Bank Verification Numbers through social media messages or unsolicited communication.
With cyber related crimes on the rise, Zenith Bank urged customers to remain vigilant and conduct thorough verification before responding to any financial solicitation encountered online. The institution stressed that criminals are deliberately targeting its brand reputation and leadership credibility to facilitate digital theft.
Industry observers describe the misuse of Dr. Jim Ovia’s identity as a calculated attempt to exploit the trust he has built over decades within Nigeria’s financial sector. The bank disclosed that it is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity specialists to trace the origin of the manipulated videos and secure their removal from digital platforms.
Customers and members of the public who encounter suspicious content linked to the Zenith Bank fake investment videos have been advised to report immediately through the bank’s official customer service channels to prevent further victimization.
By issuing this timely warning, Zenith Bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding customers and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s banking system. Management reiterated that legitimate wealth creation involves regulated financial processes and warned that any offer that appears excessively profitable with little risk is likely fraudulent.
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As investigations continue into the Zenith Bank deepfake investment scam, the institution has pledged to pursue all necessary legal actions against individuals or groups attempting to exploit its corporate identity for criminal gain.
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