INTERNET BANKERS WARNED OF SCAM

Beware of Scams. Never give your confidential information out on the internet - ever!

Internet bankers warned of scam

Gill Gifford

February 20 2007 at 07:09AM

A new email scam warning Internet bankers against online fraud is now in circulation, luring recipients to disclose their account information and passwords. The scam makes use of FNB's logo and purports to be a warning from the bank, informing clients of attempts by criminals to lure them to links to a fake website. "Some customers have been receiving an email, claiming to be from FNB, advising them to follow a link to what appears to be an FNB website, where they are prompted to enter their personal online banking details," reads the e-mail. It adds that FNB has updated its security and server, and now needs clients to submit their account details and password via a link. People who failed to do this would have their accounts terminated within 24 hours.

Xolisa Vapi, spokesperson for FNB, confirmed that the email was a scam and the latest version of "phishing". "Phishing is a form of fraud where criminals attempt to access your confidential information. This is done by an email request for information, by luring you to a fake website or by infecting your personal computer with criminal software that records and sends sensitive information to these cyber criminals," Vapi explained. He pointed out that FNB would never ask for sensitive information via email.Vapi said people who suspected that their confidential information had been compromised should contact the FNB call centre immediately at 0860 11 22 44 for assistance.