Most fake emails can be spotted by their message that is “urgent” or that needs “immediate attention” or asks for personal information, like passwords or bank account numbers.
Often these emails try to make you panic by saying your bank needs to verify your identity or that your internet security has been breached.
There will then be a link that leads to the phishing site, which looks just like the website you are used to seeing when you visit for legitimate business.
The web address on the link and the phishing websites look legitimate because they would have been copied from genuine websites.
What you need to know
- Banks will never ask you for your account details or log-in information via email.
- If you do not know the sender of an email, it is always best to simply delete the message.
- If you do not know the source of an attachment, link or file, it should be deleted as well because some phishing emails put a Trojan on to your computer the second you click that link. This programme will start to record every stroke you make on your keyboard, sending it directly to the scammers.
- A message from a well-established company you do business with will rarely have a link within the email message. It will ask you to log into your account, not ask you to click the link provided.
How to protect yourself against phishing attacks:
Access your internet banking session by manually typing the web address into your browser and then click the logon icon.
- Keep your access information secure (account number, user number, and all PIN numbers and passwords).
- Ensure you see a lock icon either at the top of the internet browser window or at the bottom, depending on your browser.
- Install and regularly update the latest anti-virus software. Banks offer free software to their clients.
- Refrain from banking at public terminals like internet cafes.
- Only provide credit card details to reputable companies; look for the lock and key icon and security certificates when shopping online.
- Change your PIN number and password regularly
.
Information provided by Christo Vrey, managing executive at Absa digital and self-service channels.