The most common way that fraudsters target potential victims is by sending fake emails that look like they are from a reputable company. They will urge you to click on a link and enter your personal and financial details into a fake website that will look like a genuine website.
The emails tend to impart a sense of urgency asking you to “verify”, “update” or “reactivate” your account. It may indicate that something is wrong and if you don’t act immediately it will have negative consequences, for example, that money will be lost or that there is fraud on your account. The fraudsters don’t want to give you time to research or investigate if the email is legitimate.
Sometimes the email will promise you money, asking you to fill in your details for a refund, a credit or for an unexpected lottery win or job opportunity.
Some fraudulent emails may include a link or attachment that when clicked on, downloads malicious software (malware) on to your PC or device. Some types of malware can track your online activity and therefore are able to record and pass your financial, personal or security information to the fraudster.
This allows them to steal money from your account or use your details for other criminal activities.
Don’t respond to any email asking for financial, personal or security information unless you independently verify that the email came from the company it claims to be from.
Never give away security details, such as your PIN or full online banking password to anyone.
Never click on a link or attachment in an email until you have verified it is from the source it says it is from.
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Be suspicious if asked for card / security details via email. Remember card issuers and Banks will never ask for full account, card, PIN or security credentials.
