Phishing Emails in South Africa

Now what the heck is a phishing email, do you catch something with it.  Well the only thing you will catch if you fall for it is a lot less money in your bank account.....

Please note that I am putting page breaks in, so make sure you get to the end of this blog.

It is very easy for them to get your information once you've entered your information into their sites.  If you know what to look for it is easy to NEVER fall for it.  Make sure you read the following and understand it.  If you don't please ask.

I use Trusteer Rapport a software that runs within your browser that can protect you to some regards to doing something wrong watch this video for a quick overview of the software


This is how you install it:

And this is how you use it on other sites that you would like to protect.  I know about this because Nedbank uses it.

Trusteer also has a Youtube channel (almost like a TV channel) with a lot of information about how it works and can benefit you here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/user/trusteer

This is a link on ABSA but I'm going to publish some of it right here
http://www.absa.co.za/Absacoza/Security-Centre/Latest-Scams/Phishing-Scams

Phishing Scams

Some criminals will go to amazing lengths to steal your money – but the more aware you are, the less likely it will be that you will fall prey to internet or email phishing scams.

Internet and email fraud

While the internet can make life very convenient with services such as online banking and shopping, there is always the underlying security risk that criminals will abuse the internet to gain access to your personal information – such as banking details – and use this to steal your money.

Be aware of phishing scams
Fraudsters often send out emails claiming to be from Absa (or other reputable organisations) – commonly known as ‘phishing’ - many of which look very authentic as they make use of the Absa logo and corporate colours to convince you that the email is legitimate.

Often, the content of the email makes reference to your account being suspended, and the only way you can stop this suspension is to click on the link supplied and update your personal details. Although this link does not link to the real Absa website, these websites are usually designed to look exactly like the Absa site, and it becomes difficult to differentiate between this site and the real site.

Steps to avoid being a victim of phishing attacks
Although we have a number of security measures in place to protect you, your awareness is the key to avoid being a victim of phishing attacks, so bear the following in mind when you receive an email claiming to be from Absa:

THIS IS WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY AND ITS THE SAME FOR ANY BANK IN SA: I would really suggest you take these matters seriously.

Although we have a number of security measures in place to protect you, your awareness is the key to avoid being a victim of phishing attacks, so bear the following in mind when you receive an email claiming to be from Absa:

• Never reply to these emails, and don’t click on any links
• Never provide your personal details such as your PIN or account details via email or on any links within these emails. We already have information like your ID number, cell number and email address and will never ask for them via email.
• Never navigate to our site using a link from an email – always type in the address (www.absa.co.za).
• If you receive eStatements – read this info to make sure that you are opening a legitimate statement.
• Delete spam emails immediately. Even a request to remove your email address from the mailing list will confirm to the fraudsters that your email account is active, and could open you up to more attacks.
• Never open an email attachment unless you know who sent the message.
• Use the latest browsers which come with filters that alert you when you visit a website that contains potentially unsafe website.
• Absa will never send you a letter or e-mail requesting you to complete your personal details by clicking on a link in an e-mail.

These are links to what is currently going on as in AT THIS MOMENT IN JULY 2012, they continually change click on the links to see what the scams look like

This is the latest scam fraudsters are using:

• INTERNET BANKING STATEMENT / VERIFICATION!!!
• Second Notification - Absa Reward Member
• BETTER BANKING
• Absa Rewards Members
• Your ABSA Internet Banking account has been violated
• Banking Service Alert
• Login to update your details
• We are proud to inform you about the changes in our banking system
• Login to Update your Profile
• Important Profile Upgrades
• Important Banking Message
• You have a new Private Message
• TVN Discontinued
• 2012 Free Trend Micro 2012 added to your account
• ALERT-Pending Payment Notice
• Your Transactions Have Been Put On Hold
• Pending Important Notice
• A Refund of 700.00 ZAR has been made back to your account
• Important Banking Message
• Treat As Priority
• Payment Confirmation
• Ebanking Message
• Account Status: Payment Successful
• Reward Programme
• New Security Notice
• Your statement made easy