Read more
FNB scam alert: Here’s how to stay ahead of online scammers
Online scams are doing the rounds again. One of the ways to protect yourself, is to be aware of the type of personal information FNB may request when assisting clients.
Photo: iStock
FNB urged customers to stay ahead of the latest scams, especially as more businesses switch to online banking and transact online.
eCommerce scams continue to plague South Africans, but there are several steps you could take to keep your personal information – and your money – out of the hands of crooks.
FNB’s online scam warning
How businesses minimise risk of online scams
Roshan Jelal of FNB Commercial Risk said while the digitisation of a business ensures efficient and streamlined processes, it all presents new opportunities for cybercriminals.
Jelal says businesses should “invest in preventative measures to protect themselves by ensuring they have conducted the necessary checks prior to paying for goods or services.”
FNB, therefore, advises businesses and suppliers to take the extra time and conduct a thorough independent verification before making a payment.
This could be done by ensuring the company has an up-to-date social media presence, or by searching for the company’s address on Google or Google Maps.
Verify if the supplier’s phone numbers and email address is active, and use forums such as Hello Peter or the review section of the company’s Facebook page to search for customer complaints.
Of course, the advice is applicable to individual bankers as well.
How to protect yourself against online scams
FNB calls on customers to be alert as scammers “are notorious for sending emails, often with links and attachments purporting to be a payment notification or bank statement”.
Don’t click on suspicious links. You will likely be redirected to a fake website set up to mimic the official FNB website.
Never share your personal details. Scammers may at times attempt to steal your banking details by requesting your log-in information or personal details, such as your ID number, card number or ATM pin.
“Remember, FNB will never ask for your username, password or PIN in an email, SMS or phone call”.
Be on the lookout for fake websites. If you enter personal information on a fake website, such as emails, passwords or other login details, scammers will be able to “phish” your details.
They will then be able to access your banking profile. Never select a link to the FNB website as it may be fake. Instead, always type out FNB’s web address in the URL bar.
Lastly, report suspected fraud or scams on 087-575-9444.
ALSO READ: Scam alert: Beware of criminals posing as officials
What FNB may request from you
FNB says it will only ever request your name, ID number and contact details, either telephonically when assisting customers, or when communicating with customers on Facebook and Twitter.
“We will also ask for this info to be sent to an FNB address (i.e. “rbjacobs@fnb.co.za”) and we will not ask anyone to share personal info directly on social media sites, not even via a private message”, FNB assures.
In addition to the above, FNB or its representative will never request the following information.
- Credit or cheque card details
- Account number or details
- Online banking login details
- Password or One Time PIN (OTP)
