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Johannesburg - Criminals are also targeting Standard Bank clients in a new e-mail scam, just days after Absa clients received similar requests to update upgrade the safety of their internet bank accounts.
The e-mail requests Standard Bank clients to update their internet details as a compulsory measure.
The aim of the update is to prevent that the account is used for fraudulent activities.
Clients are warned, in poor English, that if they fail to provide the data correctly, their accounts will be suspended.
The e-mail states: "...Please make sure you enter your email address and email password for complete update process...(Failure to verify account details correctly will lead to account suspension)."
Clients are advised that "as part of our ongoing commitment to provide the 'Best Possible' service and protection to all our customers, we are requiring you to Update your account (s) using the new SSL. Please Update your online banking account (s) by clicking on Sign In. And then do as required."
Sign In takes clients to a spoof website.
Industry experts have expressed concern about another clear "phishing" incident, where criminals use internet information to steal money from people's bank accounts. And although banks are stepping up their security measures, it seems not to deter fraudsters.
Spokespeople of South Africa's four biggest banks - Absa, First National Bank, Nedbank and Standard Bank - repeatedly warned clients that they do not request information from clients via e-mail.
Standard Bank on its website shows eleven examples of such illegal e-mails already sent to client. The news scam e-mail: "Alert: Compulsory Internet Banking Update" is an addition to the list, which includes "Your Online Banking Profile has Been Blocked" and "Important: verification of home address."
Standard Bank admits that it could be difficult for an average client to distinguish between an authentic and an illegal message.
It cautions clients to be extremely careful with requests for personal information.
Fin24's sister site, Sake24, on Thursday reported that Absa cautioned clients against a somewhat more sophisticated scheme than the previous "phishing" attempts.
Some clients this week received e-mails from "Absa", requesting them to upgrade the safety of their internet bank accounts.
The message, carrying Absa's logo, states: "We are committed to providing secure online services. As such, all interactions with our transactional sites are protected through encryption that complies with international standards. Encryption is used to protect the transmission of your personal information when completing online application forms. Our Internet servers are protected by firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
"Clients are requested to verify their details by clicking on a link provided, but are reassured that only personnel with the necessary authority will have access to the information.
Absa's Christo Vrey said the methods that internet criminals use in fraudulent scams are becoming more sophisticated, and now they directly target local companies using the names, look and feel of the major local banks in South Africa.
He said clients should never react on an e-mail requesting any sort of personal or financial information, or asking a client to logon to a service that requires them to input their internet banking or ATM PIN number. If a client suspect an e-mail looks like "phishing", they should delete it immediately.
- Fin24/Sake24