While online banking is a great tool for banking wherever you are, there are a number of scams that have tainted the reputation of many financial institutions.
Research has indicated that a lack of trust (36%) remains the top reason why banked and connected customers do not make use of internet banking in South Africa.
First National Bank (FNB), one of the leading banks in the country has leapfrogged into the future by offering more digital platforms for its banking solutions. FNB Online scams have emerged at an alarming rate, making it challenging for South Africans to trust this form of banking.
The institution has however aimed to educate and inform its customers about the dangers of online scams and how to avoid them.
Spyware Scams
In this latest of FNB Online Scams, customers have reported receiving an email with the subject line “Payment Notice” or “Quote”. The attachment in the email is a compressed file, which is in the form of a payment notification.exe. It can also have the words [application] next to it.
If you run the exe it is spyware that will compromise your online banking.
FNB advises that customers not click on email links urging users to update their computer software.
Phishing Scams
What is phishing?
This is a form of fraud whereby criminals attempt to access customers’ credential information. This may either be through an email request for information or by luring customers to a fake website.
Some of the latest phishing scams include:
- Instant online account verification
- One-Time Password Deactivated
- Confirm FNB Banking Details
- SARS Tax Refund
Tips to avoid FNB Online Scams:
- Never access the website via a link
- If you notice any suspicious activity, contact the Fraud Team on 087 575 9444 or email online@fnb.co.za
- Don’t reply to emails that require you to enter personal information directly into the email
- Avoid using vulnerable machines for internet banking
- Remember that FNB would never ask for sensitive information via email.