Background of the Study:
Biometric authentication represents a significant leap forward in enhancing security and preventing fraud in retail banking. At First Bank in Abuja, biometric systems such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition are being deployed to verify customer identities during transactions. These advanced technologies provide a more secure and convenient alternative to traditional methods such as passwords and PINs, which are often susceptible to fraud and unauthorized access (Ibrahim, 2024). By using unique biological characteristics, biometric authentication offers a high level of accuracy and reduces the likelihood of identity theft and fraudulent transactions. The adoption of biometric solutions not only enhances security but also improves the overall customer experience by simplifying the authentication process and reducing transaction times. Despite these benefits, the implementation of biometric systems faces challenges, including high initial costs, potential privacy concerns, and the need for robust technical infrastructure to handle large volumes of data securely. Furthermore, issues such as false rejections and system malfunctions can negatively impact customer satisfaction. This study examines how biometric authentication at First Bank contributes to fraud prevention in retail banking, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing fraud incidents and exploring customer perceptions of this technology. By analyzing data from 2023 to 2025, the research aims to provide insights into the benefits and challenges associated with biometric security solutions (Okafor, 2023).
Statement of the Problem:
Although First Bank has implemented biometric authentication to prevent fraud, there remain significant challenges in ensuring its reliability and customer acceptance. Technical issues such as false rejections, system downtime, and integration with legacy systems have been reported, which can lead to customer inconvenience and dissatisfaction. Additionally, concerns over data privacy and the potential misuse of biometric data persist, potentially undermining customer trust in the system. The high cost of deployment and maintenance further complicates the widespread adoption of biometric authentication, particularly in a competitive banking environment. These challenges create a discrepancy between the intended security benefits and the actual operational performance of biometric systems. Consequently, First Bank must address these issues to fully leverage biometric technology for fraud prevention and to enhance overall customer confidence in secure banking practices. This study seeks to identify the specific factors that limit the effectiveness of biometric authentication in reducing fraud, assess its impact on customer trust, and propose strategies to improve system reliability and privacy safeguards (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
• To evaluate the effectiveness of biometric authentication in preventing fraud at First Bank.
• To identify operational and privacy-related challenges affecting system performance.
• To recommend strategies for optimizing biometric solutions to enhance fraud prevention and customer trust.
Research Questions:
• How effective is biometric authentication in preventing fraud at First Bank?
• What technical and privacy challenges impact the performance of biometric systems?
• What improvements can be made to enhance system reliability and customer acceptance?
Research Hypotheses:
• H₁: Biometric authentication significantly reduces fraud incidents in retail banking.
• H₂: Technical issues and privacy concerns negatively affect customer trust in biometric systems.
• H₃: Upgrading system infrastructure and strengthening privacy protocols will improve biometric effectiveness.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study focuses on biometric authentication practices at First Bank in Abuja, utilizing fraud incident reports, customer surveys, and technical performance data. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data and challenges in isolating biometric impact from other security measures.
Definitions of Terms:
• Biometric Authentication: Security methods that use unique biological traits for identity verification.
• Fraud Prevention: Measures and systems implemented to deter and detect fraudulent activities.
• Customer Trust: The confidence customers have in the security and integrity of banking systems.
Background of the Study
Tax evasion remains a significant challenge to revenue generation in Nigeria, particularly in urban...
ABSTRACT: The role of animal-assisted therapy in early childhood dev...
Background of the Study
Central bank policies are the primary instrument through which monetary authorities influence econ...
Background of the Study
The physical and social environment of a school significantly influences students' attitudes toward physical...
Background of the Study
Parental educational background plays a critical role in shaping students’ academic performan...
Background to the Study
The purpose of education is to develop knowledge, skills and character of students. Thus educati...
Background of the Study
Ethical challenges in the insurance industry have significant implications for the sector's...
Background of the study :
The resilience of the financial sector to global shocks is a critical determinant of economic sta...
Background of the study
The growing prevalence of social media platforms and the rise of influencers have significantly...
ABSTRACT
The deregulation of the telecommunications sector in 2000 led to increased use of the Global System for Mobile Telecommunication...