To discuss all the different methods of Internet Fraud is way beyond the scope of this blog. However in this article I would like to discuss one way how Internet fraudsters are using email messages to get information from you.

It is important that computer users are aware of these tactics. Read carefully and share this with friends and family because the reality is that users are falling victim to these practices.

Fraudulent Email Messages.

One popular method used by fraudsters is to send “bank related” emails to users.

The user will receive an email from “Standard Bank” with a notification about a payment that was made into his/her account.  Now, not everyone bank with Standard Bank so the idea is to send emails randomly in the hope that a real Standard Bank client will act on the message. Just remember that the fraudsters are using the names of all the commercial banks in South Africa including: ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedbank and FNB.

Once a real Standard Bank Client receive the message he / she might act on the fraudulent message by either opening the attachment or follow the instructions on the email.

The fraudsters want you to “login” in to your account. They then take your login details and transfer money randomly to their accounts. What you as the user don’t know is that you landed on a mirror image of the real banking site, everything seems legitimate but sadly it is not.

How to identify fraudulent “bank” email messages.

As a user it is possible to identify some of these fake messages.

Internet Bank Fraud

This is a screen image of a fake message. It looks all legitimate with the Standard Bank logo BUT if you just scroll over the first link “check here to logon” you will notice that the destination URL (the pop up message) does not mention Standard Bank at all.

So they want the user to click the actual link, where-after they will be directed to http://azemarperu.com/modules/mod_rokstock/lan/

I tried to access the link but was unsuccessful, but what the fraudsters will do is to set up a fake Standard Bank website where you are supposed to “login”, once you are “logged” in they will use your details to access your real bank account.

This is only one example to illustrate how these fraudsters are trying to get information from bank users.

Security guidelines for secure banking:

1.    Never login to your bank account from an email. Rather visit the bank website and login from there.
2.    Make sure that the login page of the bank contain the letter S in https. The S refers to a secured socket layer, (SSL). Read more about ssl and secure shopping.
3.    Make sure that you have the latest anti-virus software installed and that your operating system is also up to date.
4.    Never access you internet banking from a public internet connection e.g. restaurants or shopping centres.
5.    Visit your bank’s security centre on their website for up to date information about scams.

FNB    https://www.fnb.co.za/security-centre/index.html
ABSA    http://www.absa.co.za/Absacoza/Security-Centre/Tips/Top-tips
Standard Bank    http://www.securitycentre.standardbank.co.za/
Nedbank    https://netbank.nedsecure.co.za/

Conclusion

We live in a digital age, yes to do banking in the comfort of your own home or office is convenient but with that comes responsibility. Users must understand that there is risk but it is manageable.

As users it is also our responsibility to spread the word about these illegal activities. Talk about it, email your friends and family or use social media to make other users aware of these illegal actions.

Feel free to leave a comment or contact us should you need more information.

Author, Fritz Els 18 August 2014

Read more:

http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=137046:SA-liable-to-cyber-risks&catid=234&securityportal=t