As the use of online services increases, we observe an increase in cases of deception and/or dissemination of malware aiming at intercepting sensitive data and codes by email, text messages (SMS), social media messages and other phishing techniques. There is no need to panic. What is actually needed is to learn how to recognise these fraud attempts and avoid them.
Let us take a look at some forms of online fraud that aim at extracting information using deception tricks.
Phishing emails
One fraud method that is widely used is through email.
In this case, an email is sent by fraudsters, pretending that the sender is the recipient's bank and stating that:
In this case, an email is sent by fraudsters, pretending that the sender is the recipient's bank and stating that:
- the recipient's account or card has been locked or deactivated
- “suspicious activity has been observed” on the recipient's account or card
What do they accomplish with the use of such methods?
Their aim is to extract personal information, e-banking credentials, one-time passwords (OTP) and card details.
They usually use phrases denoting a sense of urgency; they further use the pretext that the recipient's card or account has been locked or temporarily deactivated, thus urging the recipient to visit a website or download a file and follow "instructions".
Voice Phishing (Vishing)
Another method is voice phishing. This is done by fraudsters over the telephone.
Under the pretext that there is some fault in the recipient's computer software, they request remote access to the computer. They thus manage to extract credentials and transfer money from the holder's account.
SMS Phishing (Smishing)
Text messages (SMS) are an equally common form of fraud, whereby fraudsters ask the recipient to click a link or make a call to activate or verify their account details.
The included link leads to some fake webpage and the telephone number calls the fraudster who pretends to be the legal company's representative.
In both cases, fraudsters urge the recipients to immediately follow the instructions in the link sent to them in order to solve their problem.
Online ad listings
There has recently been an increase in frauds through online advertisements for home rental or for the purchase or sale of goods.
The ad owner receives a call from an alleged interested party who then asks for the owner's personal e-banking credentials or card numbers to complete the transaction. Then the fraudster intercepts the relevant details and gains access to the holder's bank account or cards in order to make transactions.
Virtual e-banking pages
In addition to the above, there are fraudsters who exploit the e-banking environment by creating a page which is visually identical with the login page, trying to steal user credentials and extract money.
For your security, when you want to connect to Optima bank's e-banking system, it is necessary to connect exclusively through the link on our official bank page: www.optimabank.gr
SIM Swapping
Fraudsters take advantage of the SIM replacement option offered by operators and, by pretending to be the legitimate owner or an authorised party, they try to trick mobile operators into providing a new SIM card to replace the one held by the legitimate owner.
By activating the new card, the legal holder's card is deactivated and fraudsters can access calls and messages and thus intercept personal information, one-time passwords (OTP) and e-banking credentials.
Learn more here link.
Find more information on online fraud on the website of the Hellenic Banking Association, here.
Let’s talk
Can we help you? Do you have any questions?