# Global rise in banking phishing and fraud

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-rise-in-banking-phishing-and-fraud
> Updated: 2026-11-03T01:37:01.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 4.

Law enforcement and professional associations in Nigeria, Canada, Portugal, and Belgium have issued warnings regarding increasingly sophisticated banking fraud and phishing schemes.

In Nigeria, the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) reported a rise in cyber fraud involving cloned websites, fake alerts, and impersonation accounts used to steal sensitive data like Bank Verification Numbers and PINs. ACAMB President Jide Sipe noted that no Nigerian bank would request such credentials through a link. Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cybersecurity self-assessment guide, experts emphasize that customer awareness remains critical to combatting fraudulent text messages and fake social media accounts.

In Canada, the Toronto Police Service reported approximately 17,000 fraud complaints since the start of 2026, with impersonation schemes accounting for one in six cases and resulting in losses over $50 million. Detective David Coffey of the Financial Crimes Unit noted that criminals are utilizing artificial intelligence to increase the persuasiveness of scams. The Anti-Fraud Centre reported total losses of approximately $351 million in the first half of 2026, with bank impersonation remaining a leading category. In response, major Canadian banks and telecommunications companies launched the Cross-Sector Anti-Fraud Exchange (CSAFE) to share confirmed fraud intelligence.

In Portugal, the Polícia Judiciária alerted the public to phishing emails that use official bank logos and threats of account restrictions. In Belgium, banks like Belfius, KBC, and BNP Paribas Fortis have implemented security measures, such as requiring physical branch visits for withdrawals or blocking outgoing transfers, following reports that phishing damages nearly doubled last year.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-03: Belgian banks introduce security measures to combat rising phishing

Belgian banks are introducing ‘locked account’ features and other restrictions to combat rising phishing fraud, which caused 93 million euros in losses last year.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgian-banks-introduce-security-measures-to-combat-rising-phishing

### 2026-11-02: Financial institutions and regulators warn of rising global banking fraud

Banks and professional associations in Canada and Nigeria are warning of sophisticated phishing and impersonation scams, prompting new intelligence-sharing initiatives and calls for increased customer vigilance

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/financial-institutions-and-regulators-warn-of-rising-global-banking-fraud

### 2026-10-29: Police warn of rising bank fraud and phishing schemes

Police in Canada and Portugal are warning of rising bank fraud, including AI-enhanced impersonation and phishing scams designed to steal personal data through urgency and fake official branding.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-warn-of-rising-bank-fraud-and-phishing-schemes

### 2026-10-26: ACAMB warns Nigerian bank customers of rising phishing scams

ACAMB has warned Nigerian bank customers to guard against sophisticated phishing scams using cloned websites and fake alerts to steal sensitive financial data like BVNs and PINs.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acamb-warns-nigerian-bank-customers-of-rising-phishing-scams

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Cite as: Global rise in banking phishing and fraud. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-rise-in-banking-phishing-and-fraud