Johannesburg, 04 Nov 2005
First National Bank (FNB) is warning its customers to safeguard their bank account details. If anyone approaches you for your bank details, treat this with extreme caution, as fraudsters could be trying to access your bank account.
The scam involves fraudsters luring unsuspecting customers with promises of winning the lottery or even requesting donations.
FNB strongly advises customers to ignore any of the requests listed below, which may come through in these e-mails:
* An e-mail to customers requesting their bank account details.
* The e-mail states that you have won a prize. They then request you to send money in order to be entered into the final draw.
* You have won the lottery and you are then requested to send your bank account details.
* The sender needs help moving money out of the country or they need assistance with claiming prize money before it becomes property of the state. You are then asked to provide your bank account details.
This illegal activity is known as a `419` scam.
As criminals develop new ways to con consumers into revealing passwords, bank account numbers and other sensitive information, scams such as these are becoming more difficult to detect, says Roland le Sueur of FNB.
"The purpose of these e-mails is to extract your personal information. This information can then be used by the fraudster to commit fraud in your name."
Le Sueur suggests the following tips to protect your bank details:
* If you are not sure about the origin of an e-mail received, rather call the FNB Internet Banking contact centre on 0860 11 22 44 to confirm the e-mail`s origin.
* Never reply to an e-mail requesting private/secret information such as your username and/or password.
* Instead of following the link from a suspicious e-mail, rather type in the URL in your browser`s address bar to go directly to the Web site.
* When you use a Web site, click on the VeriSign logo and read the security message.
* Check the e-mail for grammatically correct language.
* The e-mail will not ask/prompt you to go to suspicious Web site addresses to access the information - everything should be visible in plain text.
Le Sueur adds: "FNB takes great pride in the security and safety of its Web site. Security features such as the DigiTag and inContact allow our customers to bank safely online; however, it is paramount that customers remain vigilant and aware."
FNB works closely with the SAPS to identify and prosecute criminals.
First National Bank is a division of FirstRand Bank Ltd and an authorised financial services provider.
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