THE festive season is meant to be a time for family, celebration and well-earned rest – not of financial loss.

Fraudsters are reported taking advantage of unsuspecting and vulnerable people by impersonating bank employees or other officials through phone calls and even home visits.

“These visits often target the elderly, the sickly, or people who may feel obligated to open the door,” says Ettienne Fourie, head of fraud for retail at FNB.

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Scammers typically claim they need to check a bank card, resolve an account problem, collect a card for security reasons, or ask to use your phone.
None of these actions are part of any legitimate banking process.

Fourie explains that bank staff only visit customers in person in very limited, controlled circumstances.

“Branch advisors may visit vulnerable customers at home, in old-age homes or in hospital, but only in exceptional cases and never without prior arrangement.

“Anyone arriving unannounced, requesting entry, bank cards, PINs, or access to a customer’s phone should be treated as a scammer,” Fourie says.

“This impersonation is not limited to banks. FNB has also seen criminals pose as police officers, SARS officials and courier companies.

“Their goal is simple,” says Chris Boxall, FNB’s head of card transact, industry and fraud detection.

“They want to confuse, pressure and mislead customers into handing over personal information, bank cards, or money.

“Knowing how these scams work and understanding what a legitimate bank representative will never do can help customers protect themselves and their families,” Boxall says.

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Vishing scam safety tips

1. Never share your PIN, password, OTP or CVV. If anyone asks for these, it’s a scam.
2. If anyone claims you should act immediately because your account is at risk, call your bank to verify.
3. Be cautious if asked to:
· Move money to a so-called ‘safe account’
· Share card details
· Download remote access software
· Approve a transaction you didn’t start
4. Fraudsters use partial information to make you fill in the gaps. Never share personal or banking details with anyone.
5. A genuine representative won’t stop you from hanging up.
6. If you receive an OTP you didn’t request, don’t read it out. This is a sign the scammer is accessing your account or making use of your card details.
7. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and call your bank or banking app.

In-person scam safety tips

1. Beware of unannounced visits. Any unexpected visits from bank staff should be treated as a scam.
2. Always first verify the request by contacting the entity or institution directly.
3. Never hand over your bank card or share your PIN. No official is allowed to take your card.
4. Don’t let strangers use your phone. This is a tactic to access your banking information.
5. Don’t withdraw or hand over cash. There is no banking process that requires you to give cash to a bank employee.
6. If the person refuses to leave, call for help. Ask a neighbour, phone your security company or call the police.
7. Trust your instincts. If anything feels wrong, stop the interaction and contact your bank.