Access Bank has launched the Spot the Scam Initiative, a nationwide campaign aimed at helping teenagers and students between the ages of 12 and 19 recognise financial scams and avoid becoming victims or being drawn into fraudulent activities.
The bank said the initiative is designed to give young people practical knowledge about common scams and the tactics used by fraudsters to lure them into financial crimes.
Speaking at the launch, Access Bank’s Chief Conduct and Compliance Officer, Solomon Abiakalam, said young people have become a major target for those involved in fraud.
He explained that fraudsters often target young people either as victims or as potential participants, making early education and awareness important in preventing them from being exploited or recruited.
Abiakalam described financial crime as non violent but capable of causing serious damage to individuals and society. He said Access Bank was committed to helping raise a generation that can withstand pressure to participate in fraudulent activities or fall victim to scams.
The initiative will include a nationwide education programme that will be available to schools across Nigeria. Students can take part through their schools or register independently on a dedicated digital platform.
The platform will feature interactive quizzes, scam or legit games, leaderboards and progress tracking, with the aim of making fraud awareness more engaging for young people and encouraging participants to become what the bank calls scam busters.
Speakers at the event also stressed the importance of parents in protecting young people from online threats. They urged families to create safe environments where children can openly discuss their online experiences without fear of embarrassment, punishment or judgement.
Access Bank plans to increase its engagement with parents and teachers as the programme expands, recognising their role in reinforcing the lessons young people receive through the initiative.
According to the bank, the campaign’s focus on teenagers is deliberate because young people within this age group are increasingly targeted by individuals involved in fraud, trafficking and other criminal activities connected to money laundering.
Through the Spot the Scam Initiative, Access Bank aims to strengthen financial awareness among young Nigerians and help them make safer decisions when dealing with suspicious messages, offers and online interactions.
