Digital payment platform OPay has dismissed a viral social media publication claiming that the fintech company would suspend its operations and embark on an indefinite break from September 1, 2026. The fabricated notice, which circulated widely online, urged customers to withdraw their funds from their accounts before the purported shutdown and stop using the platform for transactions. OPay described the publication as false and misleading, assuring customers that its services remain fully operational.
The company said the message did not originate from OPay and contained several inconsistencies that exposed it as a fake publication. OPay’s Head of Corporate Communications, Folayemi Joshua, said the company had no plans to halt its services, while assuring customers that their funds remained safe and accessible. The fintech firm urged users not to act on unverified information or make financial decisions based on messages circulating on social media.
OPay also advised members of the public to rely on its verified communication channels for information concerning its operations. The company said customers should carefully examine online publications before sharing them, particularly when such messages involve financial institutions and encourage people to withdraw money. The incident has again highlighted the growing challenge of false information and fraudulent digital content targeting users of financial technology platforms.
The company has also taken legal steps against individuals accused of spreading the shutdown claim. OPay’s legal counsel reportedly issued cease and desist notices to social media accounts linked to the publication, warning against further dissemination of the false information. The development underscores the potential consequences of spreading unverified claims about financial institutions, particularly when such claims could create panic, trigger unnecessary withdrawals and undermine public confidence in digital financial services.