Banks warn of e-mail fraud

NAMIBIAN banks have warned their visa account customers not to provide their account details, such as PIN (personal identification number) or card numbers, when asked to do so via the Internet.

Standard Bank forensic investigator, Pumba Muundjua, urged all customers to be on guard against such requests and to refrain from providing such information. Bank Windhoek said an e-mail received by some of its visa card holders prompted a link which took the client to “a spoof website and prompts you to complete your card information.If you provide them all the information requested, the fraudsters could produce counterfeit cards or commit fraud on the Internet without your card”.The fraudulent e-mail bears the subject “confirm your account,” and proceeds to inform readers that “The Visa Staff” are carrying out a systems update and to avoid service interruption they require confirmation of account details as soon as possible.”Please take a moment to confirm your account by going to the following address,” it reads.The website address of that site looks superficially like www.visa.com.However while it is “verifying” your visa card information, all your details are recorded elsewhere by unknown individuals.Bank Windhoek said that the fraudsters removed the imposter-website within minutes after the suspicious e-mail was reported.The bank advised alertness to fraud and that all types of card fraud be reported.Bank Windhoek said an e-mail received by some of its visa card holders prompted a link which took the client to “a spoof website and prompts you to complete your card information. If you provide them all the information requested, the fraudsters could produce counterfeit cards or commit fraud on the Internet without your card”. The fraudulent e-mail bears the subject “confirm your account,” and proceeds to inform readers that “The Visa Staff” are carrying out a systems update and to avoid service interruption they require confirmation of account details as soon as possible. “Please take a moment to confirm your account by going to the following address,” it reads. The website address of that site looks superficially like www.visa.com. However while it is “verifying” your visa card information, all your details are recorded elsewhere by unknown individuals. Bank Windhoek said that the fraudsters removed the imposter-website within minutes after the suspicious e-mail was reported. The bank advised alertness to fraud and that all types of card fraud be reported.