Last Updated: November 2025
Author: NigeriaUSSDCodes Editorial Team
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with any Nigerian bank or telecom operator. All information here is verified from public CBN, NCC, and bank security advisories.*
Why USSD Banking Security Matters
Mobile banking through USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) has made financial transactions easier for millions of Nigerians.
With a simple code like *901#, you can check your balance, send money, or buy airtime — no internet, no smartphone needed.
But as convenience grows, so does fraud.
Every day, scammers try new tactics: SIM swaps, phishing messages, fake “bank alerts,” and cloned USSD menus.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recorded thousands of cases of mobile-related fraud between 2023 and 2024 — most of which were preventable with basic security awareness.
This guide shows you exactly how to protect your money and keep your bank account safe when using USSD in 2025.
Understanding How USSD Banking Works
Before learning to protect it, you must first understand it.
When you dial a bank code (e.g., *737# or *894#), your phone communicates directly with your bank’s secure server through your mobile network — not through the internet.
This makes USSD safe by design, but still vulnerable when:
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Your phone or SIM is compromised.
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You share your PIN or leave your phone unlocked.
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Fraudsters trick you into “authorizing” something you didn’t intend.
Knowing these weak points helps you protect your account effectively.
Common USSD Fraud Scenarios in Nigeria
Here are real-life examples of how fraudsters exploit careless users:
SIM Swap Scams
Fraudsters convince your telecom provider to issue a new SIM with your number. Once they get control of your line, they can access your bank’s USSD.
Prevention:
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Set a SIM lock PIN (
Settings → SIM → Lock SIM). -
Register your NIN correctly with your network.
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Report lost SIMs immediately to your provider and bank.
Fake Customer Care Calls or SMS
You may receive calls like:
“Hello, I’m from your bank. Please confirm your USSD PIN or BVN.”
This is a social engineering scam. Real banks never ask for your PIN, BVN, or OTP over calls or SMS.
Prevention:
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Never share personal details or PINs over the phone.
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End the call and contact your bank’s official helpline (e.g., *300 or verified numbers).
Stolen Phones Without Screen Locks
A lost phone without a password gives fraudsters open access to your USSD menu.
Prevention:
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Always use strong passwords, fingerprints, or face unlock.
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Lock SIM access and require PIN before any call or USSD use.
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If your phone is stolen, call your bank immediately to block your account.
Shared or Borrowed Phones
Sometimes, people borrow a friend’s phone to check balance or transfer money, forgetting to log out properly.
Fraudsters can easily dial “Last Used” on some phones to access previous USSD commands.
Prevention:
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Never perform bank transactions on someone else’s device.
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Always clear your dial history after using USSD.
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Use your registered SIM only on your personal phone.
Fake USSD Codes and Cloned Menus
Fraudsters have created fake USSD menus that mimic real ones. They spread links like “Dial *123# to unlock ₦10,000 free gift.” When you follow those steps, your data is stolen.
Prevention:
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Only use verified codes from official bank or telecom websites.
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Bookmark or check regularly updated code pages on nigeriaussdcodes.com.
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Avoid dialling “shortcuts” sent through WhatsApp or Telegram groups.
Unsecured Public Devices or Shared SIMs
When you use your SIM on a cybercafé or another person’s phone, saved USSD strings or cached SIM data might expose your financial information.
Prevention:
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Never insert your banking SIM into another person’s phone.
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Don’t allow anyone to register your number on their device.
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Always restart your phone after removing and reinserting SIMs.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Fraud
To prevent financial loss, you must know how to spot danger early.
Here are red flags every Nigerian mobile user should watch for in 2025:
Unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank.
Text messages with suspicious links or “account suspension” alerts.
Sudden SIM deactivation or “No Service” signal.
Unauthorized USSD notifications.
Missing funds or alert messages you didn’t trigger.
If you notice any of these, contact your bank immediately and block all USSD activities.
Security Tips: How to Protect Your Bank USSD Access
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective and current USSD banking safety measures recommended by the Central Bank of Nigeria, NCC, and major Nigerian banks:
Set Up a Secure Phone Lock
A phone lock is your first wall of defense. Use a PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock.
Avoid simple codes like “1234” or your birth year.
Change Your USSD PIN Regularly
Change your 4-digit USSD PIN every few months — especially if you suspect someone saw you enter it.
You can reset via your bank’s menu or by contacting customer care.
Example:
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GTBank: Dial
*737*5#→ Change PIN -
Access Bank: Dial
*901#→ “Reset PIN” -
UBA: Dial
*919#→ “Security Settings”
Keep Your SIM Secure
Never leave your SIM card in a phone that others can access.
If your phone or SIM is lost, immediately:
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Call your bank to block USSD.
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Visit your telecom provider for SIM retrieval.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi or Shared Devices
Even though USSD doesn’t use data, avoid performing any banking activity when connected to unknown Wi-Fi or using shared devices.
Hackers can collect session information through compromised systems.
Don’t Save USSD Codes in Contact List
Many people save codes like “GTBank Transfer” → *737#.
If your phone is stolen, this makes it easy for thieves to find your banking code.
Always memorize your codes instead.
Confirm Official Codes Only
Visit your bank’s official website or nigeriaussdcodes.com to verify current short codes.
Never trust forwarded messages that include “free” codes, loans, or giveaways.
Monitor Your Account Frequently
Use your bank’s USSD balance check or mobile app to review transactions at least weekly.
Early detection prevents bigger losses.
Example:
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*310#(Balance check across networks) -
*901*00#(Access Bank balance) -
*894*00#(First Bank balance)
Enable SMS & Email Alerts
Make sure your phone number and email are correctly linked to your account.
That way, you’ll instantly see every debit or credit alert.
If a transaction happens without your knowledge, you can act fast.
Always Log Out or End Session Quickly
After every transaction, ensure the USSD session ends.
Press the “Cancel” or “End Call” button once you complete your task.
Leaving sessions open can lead to unauthorized access on certain phones.
Beware of Social Media Giveaways or “Instant Loan” Scams
Scammers often use posts or ads that claim to offer instant money through fake USSD codes.
No bank gives “₦10,000 for free.” Always verify offers from official platforms only.
Real-Life Examples of USSD Fraud Cases
Case 1: The SIM Swap Victim
A trader in Abuja lost her phone. Within an hour, ₦180,000 was transferred from her GTBank account through 737#.
How it happened: The scammer did a SIM swap and accessed her USSD.
Prevention: If your SIM is lost, always block your line and bank immediately.
Case 2: The Fake Loan Offer
An office worker received an SMS saying:
“Dear customer, you’ve been approved for ₦100,000 instant loan. Dial *123# now to claim.”
He did — and unknowingly gave away his banking details.
Lesson: Never dial codes or open links from unverified messages.
Case 3: The Unlocked Phone Incident
A student used 901# on a friend’s phone to buy airtime. Later, the friend dialed “last used” and accessed his account to transfer ₦5,000.
Lesson: Always use your own device for banking.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud
If you notice strange activity or unauthorized transactions:
Immediately dial your bank’s account-blocking USSD:
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Access Bank —
*901*911# -
GTBank —
*737*51*74# -
First Bank —
*894*911# -
UBA —
*919*911# -
Zenith Bank —
*966*911# -
Wema Bank —
*945*911#
Contact your bank’s customer care helpline and report the fraud.
Change your USSD PIN as soon as possible.
File an official complaint at your bank branch.
Inform your mobile network provider if SIM tampering is suspected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is USSD banking safe to use in Nigeria?
Yes. USSD transactions are encrypted and transmitted over secure channels. Most fraud happens due to user carelessness, not system failure.
Can someone hack my account if they know my USSD code?
No. Knowing your bank’s code (like *737#) is not enough — they’d still need your PIN and SIM-linked number.
What should I do if I lose my phone with my bank SIM?
Immediately block your account using your bank’s 911# code or call customer service. Then retrieve your SIM at your telecom office.
How often should I change my USSD PIN?
Every 3–6 months or immediately after any suspicious activity.
Why did my USSD transaction fail even though I entered the correct PIN?
It could be due to a poor network, system downtime, or hitting your daily limit. Wait and try again later.
Are fake USSD codes common?
Yes. Fraudsters sometimes create clone menus to trick users. Always verify codes through your bank’s website or nigeriaussdcodes.com.
Can I block my account if I suspect compromise?
Yes — every major bank now provides an emergency blocking code (*911# series). Use it immediately if you notice strange activity.
Will I be charged for blocking my account via USSD?
No, it’s free. Blocking is a safety feature and doesn’t attract the ₦6.98 session charge.
How can I confirm that my USSD account is secure?
Ensure you have a strong PIN, keep your SIM locked, and confirm your phone is registered under your name. Also, enable SMS alerts.
Can I recover money stolen through USSD?
It depends on how fast you report it. If the fraud is reported within hours, your bank can sometimes trace and freeze the funds.
Conclusion
Fraud prevention begins with you.
USSD banking is one of the fastest and most accessible financial systems in Nigeria — but only if you use it safely.
Protect your PIN like your ATM card, secure your SIM, and never trust unsolicited messages or calls.
As cyber threats evolve, your awareness is the strongest shield you have.
Bookmark this guide on nigeriaussdcodes.com — your trusted resource for verified codes, banking updates, and security tips that keep your money safe.