Fintech company OPay has denied a viral social media claim that it has stopped using customers' phone numbers as wallet account numbers. The company described the information as false and misleading, and threatened possible legal action against the individual who circulated the claim. OPay emphasized that misinformation about a financial institution can mislead customers, create unnecessary panic, and cause reputational damage.
The controversy began with a post by an X user, Israel Gharee, who claimed that OPay had discontinued the use of phone numbers as account numbers and was now issuing standard account numbers to customers. The post advised customers still using their phone numbers as OPay account numbers to visit OPay agents to have their accounts updated. However, OPay quickly responded on its official X account, dismissing the claim and assuring customers that phone numbers are still used as wallet account numbers.
OPay urged customers to disregard the false information and rely on its verified communication channels for updates concerning their accounts. The company also warned that creating and intentionally sharing false and misleading information about a financial institution can have wider consequences, including misleading the public, creating unnecessary panic, and causing reputational harm.
The company requested the author of the post to delete it within 30 minutes, warning that failure to comply could result in further legal action. This incident highlights the importance of accurate communication around digital financial services, particularly as millions of Nigerians increasingly depend on electronic platforms for payments and transfers.
OPay's account structure allows regular customers to use their registered mobile numbers as wallet account identifiers. Additionally, the platform has a separate My BizPayment feature that provides eligible users with a merchant account number for business transactions. The existence of business account numbers does not mean the company has discontinued phone-number-based wallet accounts.
This controversy is not an isolated incident, as OPay has previously been targeted by misinformation. Earlier this month, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre arrested an X user for spreading a false notice that claimed OPay was shutting down and urged customers to withdraw their money. The post gained roughly 572,000 views within minutes.
The Central Bank of Nigeria lists OPay Digital Services Limited among licensed mobile money operators in the country, underscoring its position within Nigeria's regulated payments ecosystem. The CBN's Payments System Vision 2028 identifies security, consumer protection, trust, and collaboration as key priorities for Nigeria's evolving payments ecosystem, emphasizing the need for accurate communication and trust in digital financial services.
Key points
- OPay denies claim of discontinuing phone numbers as wallet account numbers.
- Company warns of possible legal action against individual who circulated false claim.
- Incident highlights importance of accurate communication around digital financial services.
