Fraud Alert – Vishing (Telephone) Scam
There are increasing reports of consumers being cold-called by fraudsters claiming to be from a major computer company or financial institution. A number of individuals have been duped, have disclosed their information and have suffered financial loss.
Key Details – how does the scam work
The consumer is contacted, and the caller claims to be:
- From a computer company and advises they can help in the resolution of PC issues.
- From their financial services provider and advises there has been a fraud on their account.
In both instances, during the call the customer is requested to provide their date of birth and their bank card details to the perpetrator. Following disclosure of this information, the customer’s accounts are subject to fraud as a result of this scam.
Red Flags – what to look out for
- Consumers are contacted via an unsolicited phone call or cold-call.
- The caller claims to be from major computer company or their financial institution.
- The consumer is requested to provide personal information (e.g. date of birth).
- The consumer is requested to provide their bank card (i.e. debit or credit), PIN (Personal Identification Number), CVV/CSC number & 3D secure password details.
- Older consumers appear to be particularly targeted.
Action
- Customers are reminded to treat all unsolicited phone calls with caution.
- Never allow a ‘cold-caller’ take control of your computer or laptop. Strangers who ring advising that you are having a problem with your computer are trying to defraud you.
- Financial institutions are committed to protecting consumers from fraud. While they may contact their customers to discuss the operation of their account and/or their satisfaction with their banking arrangements, they will never make contact asking for personal banking details.
- Emails or phone calls that consumers may receive requesting such information are an attempt to defraud.
- Consumers must never disclose their personal banking login or other details in response to any unsolicited request.
- Consumers are reminded to keep their personal banking login and card details safe and that personal banking login and card details must never be shared.
This is a general notice issued by the Financial Crime and Security Department of BPFI on behalf of BPFI members.
Disclaimer Note: The information contained in this Fraud Alert /Advisory is for general guidance and for information purposes only and is intended to enhance awareness and vigilance regarding this fraud.