Reports on phishing attacks had increased over time. Such attacks typically intensify during festivities or major events, for example, The Great Singapore Sales, Lunar New Year etc. We like to remind you to be vigilant and practice safe online banking or any online transactions.
What is phishing and what it does?
Phishing sends emails or SMS purportedly from a trusted organization. These emails or SMS will include links that lead you to provide certain information. Fear tactics may be used, for example threatening to disable an account or delaying services, until the information is provided. Listed below are some information that scammers try to get so that they can get access to your accounts.
- Personal information such as NRIC/ passport numbers, address, emails;
- Banking credentials i.e. Bank account numbers, card numbers, expiry date, CVV number, Personal Identification Number (PIN), One Time Password (OTP) and in some instances to provide the OTP generated from your hardware token.
How to protect yourself from such scams and keep your accounts safe?
- No Banks or any organizations will not make unsolicited requests for your personal, financial, bank account or credit/debit card information, or unsolicited requests that you log in and verify account validity, through e-mail, mobile messages or on phone unless you have initiated the contact. Under no circumstances will the Bank or any organization ask you to reveal your PIN/Password.
- Do not use links in an email or instant message to connect to the Bank or any organization’s website unless you are certain they are authentic. If you need to get to the Bank or any organization’s web-page, open a new browser and type the URL directly into the address bar to surf to their web-page, instead of using any links.
- Do not respond to emails asking for confidential information, for example, your financial or personal information. Phishers like to use scare fear tactics and may threaten to disable an account or delay services until you update certain information.
- Never reveal to anyone or key in your personal banking details such as ATM/debit or credit card numbers, PINs or OTPs, Online Banking Access code, into websites or mobile apps.
- When in doubt, contact the bank or organization directly and personally.
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