OPay Debunks Claim That Customers Must Change Wallet Account Numbers

OPay has dismissed a recent claim circulating on social media that the fintech company has stopped using customers’ phone numbers as wallet account identifiers.

The claim, which was shared on X, suggested that OPay customers would need to visit agents to obtain new account numbers following an alleged change to the company’s wallet system.

However, OPay, in a response to Technext, described the information as false and clarified that customers can still use their phone numbers as wallet account numbers.

The fintech also confirmed that customers do not need to visit OPay agents to change or update their accounts as a result of any such policy.

Following the circulation of the claim, OPay reportedly contacted the user who published the post and requested that it be removed within 30 minutes. The company stressed the importance of accurate information when discussing financial services, noting that misleading claims could confuse customers and potentially damage the company’s reputation.

OPay also indicated that it may consider legal action if the post is not taken down.

The fintech advised customers to rely on its official communication channels for information about account services and policy changes rather than unverified claims circulating on social media.

OPay Faces Another False Information Claim

The latest incident comes weeks after OPay faced another wave of misinformation concerning an alleged shutdown of its operations in Nigeria.

In that case, the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre arrested Hafsat Abubakar following an investigation into a document allegedly claiming that OPay would discontinue its services in the country.

The document reportedly circulated widely online, attracting more than 572,000 views within minutes and encouraging customers to withdraw their funds from the platform.

OPay subsequently took legal action against three social media users over the alleged false shutdown claims, demanding that the posts be removed and that those responsible issue apologies.

The police investigation followed a formal complaint submitted by OPay.

While the latest account-number claim is separate from the earlier shutdown controversy, the fintech's response again highlights the potential impact of unverified information concerning financial services.

For now, OPay says customers can continue using their phone numbers as wallet account numbers and do not need to visit an agent to make changes based on the claim circulating online.