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Johannesburg - Absa on Tuesday issued a warning to internet banking users of an increase in spamming, malware and phishing attacks.
A phishing scam is designed to trick bank customers into handing over their bank login details to internet scammers. One such fake e-mail purporting to be from Absa claims the bank has initiated a beneficial programme to reward clients for their honest and usual patronage, the bank said.
The fake e-mail claims that under the Absa Must Top Up Programme the recipient's bank account balance will be credited with a substantial amount during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
To be eligible for the "windfall", the e-mail claims Absa clients need to verify their activities by deducting a minimal amount from their account to guarantee their share in the programme.
The fake e-mail further claims that the deducted amount would be refunded in a few minutes, together with the additional funds allocated to account holders in the programme. It then asks them to click on an embedded link to fill in the required information.
Absa is not running any programme called Absa Must Top Up Programme. Those who fall for the ruse and click on the attached link will be taken to a web-based form that asks them to submit their bank account user name and password, ostensibly to credit their accounts with the funds from the non-existent programme.
Any information submitted on the bogus form will be sent to internet criminals who will use it to access the customer's real Absa account, steal funds deposited in the account and conduct other fraudulent activities, warned the bank.
"People should especially be wary of unsolicited e-mails with World Cup themed messages, as many phishing attacks are likely to hide under such to leverage the highly-anticipated event," said Christo Very, managing executive of Absa Digital and Self Service Channels.
How you can stay safe
"The common defence against e-mail phishing is never click on the link provided on the e-mail, and never reply to e-mails with your login or personal information. It is also advisable to secure your laptop or PC with a trustworthy security application that will detect malware in malicious e-mails before they cause any real damage," said Vrey.
To protect themselves against phishing attacks, Absa suggested that its clients access their internet banking session by manually typing the web address into their browser and then clicking the logon icon.
Secondly, they should keep their access information secure (account number, user number, and all PIN numbers and passwords). Thirdly, they should ensure they see a lock icon either at the top of the internet browser window or at the bottom – depending on your browser.
Fourthly it is advisable, Absa said, that they install and regularly update the latest anti-virus software. Clients are also advised to refrain from banking at public terminals like internet cafes.
The bank also advised internet banking users to provide credit card details to reputable companies and look for the lock and key icon and security certificates when shopping online. Llastly, they should change their PIN number and password regularly.
- I-Net Bridge
