Phishing via e-mail, Smishing via sms on the phone and Vishing via phone communication, are the main methods used for scams targeting bank customers. The main feature of each of them is the way in which in each case the swindler approaches his would-be victim.
Phishing: Fraudulent emails
The term "Phishing" refers to fraudulent e-mails intended to defraud recipients and disclose personal and financial information or security codes to fraudsters.
Πώdoes it work?
The scammer approaches his would-be victim, sending him a misleading e-mail.
These emails:
- They can be very similar to the messages that banks send to their customers
- Copy the logo, features and style of the actual emails
- You are prompted to download an attachment to your device or to click on an online link
- They use terminology that gives the feeling of urgency
Τί can you do;
- Keep the software up to date, including browser, antivirus and operating system
- Be especially careful if a "bank" email asks you for sensitive information (eg your bank account password via internet banking)
- Check the email carefully: compare the address with the previous actual emails from your co-op bank
- Check for spelling and grammar or syntax errors
- Do not reply to a suspicious e-mail, instead forward it to the bank you work with, entering its e-mail address yourself
- Do not click directly on the electronic link and do not download the attached file, instead enter the address of the electronic link in the web browser you are using
- In case of any doubt, check the website or call your bank
Cybercriminals rely on the fact that people are busy and in a hurry. This, combined with the fact that fraudulent emails seem to be legitimate, maximizes the risk of falling victim.
Take special care when using a portable device. It may be more difficult to detect an e-fishing attempt from your mobile phone or tablet.
Smishing: Scam SMS messages
The term "Smishing", a combination of the words "sms" and "Phishing", refers to the attempt of fraudsters to obtain personal and financial information or security codes via sms messages.
How does it work;
The text message will usually ask you to click on an online link or call a phone number to verify, update, or reactivate your account. But… the online link leads to a fake website and the phone number leads to the scammer claiming to represent the legitimate business.
Τί can you do;
- Do not click on links, attachments or images you receive via text message (sms) without verifying the sender
- Do not be in a hurry. Take your time and do the necessary checks before answering
- Never reply to a text message (sms) asking for your “PIN” or password (“Password”) in your bank account or any other personalized security credentials (eg e-banking user name)
- If you think you may have responded to a fraudulent text message (sms) and provided your bank account details, contact your bank immediately
Vishing: Fraudulent phone calls
The term "Vishing", a combination of the words "Voice" and "Phishing", refers to telephone fraud, which aims to deceive the victim in order to reveal his personal and financial information or security codes or to transfer money to fraudsters. .
Τί can you do;
- Be careful with sudden and unannounced phone calls
- Keep the phone number from which you were called and let them know that you will return the phone call to them
- To verify their identity, look up the phone number of the company and contact them directly
- Do not verify the person calling you with the phone number they gave you, it may be a fake or forged number
- Scammers can find your basic communication information via the internet (eg through social media). Do not assume that the person calling you declares his true nature because he has such information at his disposal
- Do not give the "PIN" code of your credit or debit card or the password of your bank account via e-banking. The bank you work with will never ask for such information
- Do not transfer money to another bank account upon request. Your bank will never ask you to do such a thing
- If you think this is a fraudulent phone call, report it to your bank