What: Phishing is a type of fraud where fraudster sends e-mails which resemble to originate from Financial Institutions or other authorities, with warnings to indicate that victim’s Bank account will be closed if certain information is not provided immediately by clicking on an embedded link in the e-mail.

How: Victims are lured through communications using multiple channels (Voice calls, Email, WhatsApp, SMS and Social media platforms) impersonating Banks, Police or the CB. These communications have embedded links which when clicked, either ask for personal information or a malware establishes itself on the potential victim’s electronic device and starts stealing victim’s sensitive information.

Safeguards:

• Do not respond to unknown or unsolicited calls/emails/messages. In case of suspicion, call your bank directly on their published number on their official website.
• Do not provide banking information to anyone even if the caller claims to be from the bank.
• Never divulge or share any sensitive information i.e. banking details, OTP, PIN, credit card information, etc.
• Review your bank account and credit card statements at regular intervals for any suspicious transactions.
• Use security filters of social media applications to safeguard your profile and ensure that no one accesses your details.
• Do not download unknown apps and if you do so, do not allow them access to your contacts, photos, any other access which it may ask for.
• Confirming your whereabouts on social media can tipoff fraudsters about your location, which may be used to harm you financially while you are away.

Always remember that your bank NEVER asks for your personal or banking credentials through web links, SMS, email, phone calls etc.