DISCOURSE DYNAMICS OF BANK FRAUD ALERTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the discourse practices of online fraud alerts issued by Nigerian banks to warn customers against fraudulent activities. In the dynamic landscape of financial transactions, the discourse of fraud alerts is pivotal in cautioning clients, mitigating risks, and safeguarding the banking sector’s integrity. The research analysed 22 digital bank fraud alert posters, sourced from customers’ emails, official social media platforms, and notification channels, with the aim of uncovering the strategies employed by financial institutions to warn, engage, reassure, and communicate effectively with their customers. The study was guided by Genre Theory, which provides a framework for understanding how forms of communication are structured, the conventions they follow, and the expectations they create in specific contexts. Its application to bank fraud alerts facilitated an exploration of their linguistic features, communicative purposes, and broader significance in financial communication. Findings indicate the prevalence of particular alert types and discourse strategies, reflecting banks’ efforts to build awareness, protect clients, and enhance fraud prevention. The study contributes insights into how financial institutions deploy language to foster trust and resilience in an era of digital banking, with relevance for clients, banks, and fraud prevention agencies alike.