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Remote access scams are becoming a problem

While it’s not new, it seems as if scammers using remote access to rob folks is becoming a problem big enough to warrant a warning.

This morning FNB sent out a media release warning of the latest modus operandi being used by scammers, the aforementioned remote access method.

Generally what will happen is you will receive a call warning of a possibly fraudulent transaction, but the reason for the call differs depending on the scam. The point is that the scammer will try to get you to install remote access software with the promise of fixing the issue.

But once the fraudster has access to your computer they will create more issues for you.

“Once you’ve logged in, your device will go blank and shortly afterwards you will start receiving OTPs to confirm transactions that you did not perform. The fraudster then reassures you that these are fraudulent transactions and request that you either approve or send them the OTPs for them to block the transactions. Meanwhile they are the perpetrator using the OTP to process the fraudulent transaction” explains head of digital banking at FNB, Giuseppe Virgillito.

Should a scammer come calling our advice is to end the call immediately and contact your bank directly. FNB also shared the following advice:

  • Beware of strange calls : If someone calls you, claiming to be from your bank, and offers to help you install software on your PC to protect you, or asks you to call the bank to release a payment, please end the phone call immediately and contact the relevant fraud department yourself.
  • Never share your OTP:  FNB will never ask you to share your One-Time PIN (OTP) under any circumstances. An OTP cannot be used to reverse a transaction
  • Never approve Smart inContact requests for transactions you did not initiate: If you receive a Smart inContact for a transaction you did not initiate yourself do not select Approve – this will allow the money to be moved out of your account.
  • Keep your information private : Never disclose sensitive information, such as your username, password, card, and PIN details to anyone – not even a bank official. 

 

“Through our trusted digital platform, we continue to educate our customers against the latest fraud modus operandi and prevention methods. While we strive to have the very best security in place to protect our customers, it’s equally vital for people to work with financial institutions to keep themselves safe from fraud. We encourage our customers to use any of our banking interfaces to immediately report any suspicious transactions on their bank accounts,” added Virgillito.

If you want to see the lengths that scammers will go to in order to get your money we highly recommend watching some of the scam-baiting done by Kitboga though we can’t recommend you do it yourself.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]

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