Share

SA bank 'phishing' escalates

Johannesburg - The number of schemes to fraudulently obtain confidential information from internet banking users has grown, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) said on Tuesday.

"Banking industry data managed by SABRIC shows that the number of 'phishing' websites targeting local bank clients that have been detected and shut by the banks have more than trebled in the last four months," SABRIC chief executive officer Kalyani Pillay said in a statement.

"This is really unprecedented and a clear sign of the extent of the onslaught," Pillay said.

As fast as banks shut down 'phishing' websites to prevent more people from falling victim, the fraudsters behind them used the information they had already collected from their victims.

"We urge bank clients to be extra vigilant with their banking information."

Pillay urged anyone who had given out their banking information in response to an e-mail request to notify their bank. Customers were also urged to contact their banks before responding to e-mails requesting their banking information.

In the e-mails, fraudsters pretending to represent the South African Revenue Service enticed victims to supply their banking details to receive tax refunds.

"It is clear that the perpetrators have now customised their approach to make their scams more believable to a typical SA bank client."

The e-mails linked to websites which appeared to be those of local banks, which made them more believable to users.

No bank, said Pillay, ever sent e-mails requesting customers to update information online by accessing their site via a link.

- Sapa

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.91
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.2%
Platinum
910.50
+1.5%
Palladium
1,011.50
+1.0%
Gold
2,221.35
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders