Internet banking scams not new
Unsolicited phishing emails, sent from fraudsters impersonating a bank, normally ask the user to click on a hyperlink to update or confirm their account details. Though the issue affects only a very small number of clients, it is something that Absa takes seriously, and continually educates its clients on how to safely bank online.
“Absa, or any other bank, will never send an email to customers requiring them to do this,” confirms Christo Vrey, Managing Executive for Absa Digital Channels.
Vrey strongly advises all individuals to ignore emails, supposedly from your bank, that ask you to confirm or update your personal details, and not to click on any links in the message.
When logging onto Internet Banking, he recommends that customers type www.absa.co.za into their browser.
ABSA says that despite the efforts of online criminal syndicates, Internet Banking remains one of the safest ways to transact. Users can ensure they stay safe with a few simple security measures.
The following safety tips are given by ABSA to prevent falling prey to online criminals:
• Do not save your password on your desktop – as it may allow others to access your personal information, without your permission
• Do not make your passwords too personal – rather create passwords that have letters and numbers that cannot be attributed to you
• Never provide your online ID or password/PIN to anyone, never write them down or share them, not even with a bank official
• Never provide your online ID or password/PIN to any site that you do not recognise and fully trust
• Only provide your online ID or password/PIN when your browser shows a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) connection directly to the bank
• Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your Internet Banking Password
• Always log or sign off at the end of a session
• For your Security you only have three attempts to enter your PIN/password correctly before you are denied access to our services. If this occurs you will need to go to the branch to reset these passwords/PINS
• Do not open email from unknown sources
• Beware of emails that ask for passwords, PINS, credit and debit card information
• Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafes as you never know what software is loaded that may compromise your transactions
• Make sure no one has unauthorised access to your computer
• Be especially aware that there are no security cameras trained on your computer and keyboard
• Ensure you have the latest anti virus software applications loaded on your computer and keyboard
• Make sure the software on your computer is correctly licensed
• Update your operating system and browser with the latest patches
• Install a personal firewall on your computer if you use a dial-up modem
• Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies
• To ensure that you are using a secure shopping site, look for the lock and key and security certificates online
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