Our Online Banking services are a safe and convenient way to manage your finances, but you need to take care to guard against Internet fraudsters. It is important that you are aware of potential fraud attempts that originate from the Internet.
Click on the headings below to find information on the most common frauds and threats:
Social Media Scams
Social Media is an effective tool for communication, however what you post across these channels can be used by fraudsters to build a profile on you resulting in Identity Theft.
You should always be mindful of what information you share online and to never publicly post your financial details such as card or account numbers online.
When leaving comments on Social Media pages asking for assistance or help in relation to an issue, caution should be exercised if you receive an unsolicited call as a result of one of these posts. If we contact you we will never ask you to confirm your full online banking personal access code. Calls of this nature may be a type of fraud known as Vishing.
More information on Vishing can be found below.
Vishing (Telephone or Voice Fraud)
Vishing is when an individual calls you claiming to be from the Bank, or a company providing a service and request financial and/or personal and security information.
The phone number displayed on your handset may appear to be a genuine Bank phone number but these can be mimicked by criminals.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity from any call you receive, you should ask the caller to confirm their authenticity and if still in doubt of the caller’s authenticity, end the call. If you feel your bank details have been compromised, contact our support team on 1850 654321. Lines are open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Malware (Trojans and Viruses)
The effects of malware can vary widely depending on what it is designed to do. Some cause little or no damage, while others can be very dangerous and deliberately target customers who bank online. Banking specific malware can gather personal or security information entered on the infected PC/laptop/phone. Such malware can gain access to the device when the user is tricked into opening or running an infected attachment they have received from a seemingly legitimate mail, through an infected file they have downloaded or even by visiting an infected website.
For more information on staying safe online go to: https://www.getsafeonline.org/nca/
Phishing
Phone Scam Warning - Cards
EBS have been notified of a Phone Scam currently targeting our customers. Reports received to the Bank indicate that:
To assist in identifying such calls please be aware:
Phone Scam Warning - Devices
The bank is receiving reports that fraudsters are calling customers trying to persuade them that their computer/laptops are operating slowly. The criminals are attempting to get customers to agree to pay a nominal charge to fix the problems and they then trick them to make a payment for a much higher value.
Have you received a call asking any of the following questions?
Is your PC operating very slowly?
Will you pay a fee to get it fixed?
Do you want them to logon remotely to your PC to fix it?
This is a Fraud Scam do not log on to Online Banking to make any payments to them.
Hang up and report the call to our our Support team on 1850 654321. Lines are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Advanced Fee (419) Fraud
Advance fee fraud or ’The 419 (four-one-nine) fraud’ as it's also known, is a method by which a fraudster attempts to trick you into supplying 'up-front' money to secure your involvement in their specified transaction. There are many variations of this type of fraud.
How does Advanced-Fee (419) Fraud work?
How to recognise Advanced-Fee (419) Fraud letters
What should you do if you suspect a 419 scam?
Delete the email. The email, although it may look like it is addressed specifically to you, will have been sent to many people.
SIM Swap Fraud
What is SIM Swap Fraud?
Fraudulent SIM swap is a mobile device specific fraud where the fraudster approaches your mobile service provider pretending to be you and requests that the existing mobile number be assigned to a new or ’replacement’ SIM card. Once the SIM swap request has been processed, the fraudster is able to access the new SIM card and may divert calls and receive your SMS notifications. The objective of these fraudulent SIM swaps is mainly to intercept messages sent by SMS for banking transactions over the Internet. With texts and calls now routed to the ‘new’ SIM card, the fraudster is able to access any unique codes sent by the bank to access people’s bank account. This scam will be used in conjunction with other Common Frauds and Threats such as a Phishing or Vishing attack’s as described above.
To safeguard against SIM swap fraud, we suggest that you follow these simple steps to help stay secure:
If you suspect that you have been a victim of SIM swap fraud, contact your mobile provider.
SMS (Text Message Fraud)
Text Message Fraud (SMiShing) is a common technique used by fraudsters in an attempt to obtain personal and security information for the purpose of identity theft or financial gain. The fraudsters send text messages that appear to come from legitimate numbers in an attempt to fool you into supplying your personal details.
EBS may on occasion, send you product related or marketing surveys via SMS. It is important to note that these text messages will not ask you for Internet Online Banking login details or personal information.
Adware and Pop-Up Windows
Pop-up windows are the small windows or adverts that can appear suddenly over or under a browser window. Pop-up windows can be used to obtain personal information from an unsuspecting user. Fraudsters can also use fake ads to fool you into visiting a fake website and supplying your personal details.
Please note: Pop-up windows can be legitimately used by some websites/offerings, such as ’Verified by Visa’ and ’MasterCard SecureCode’.