JBA ALERTS CUSTOMERS TO PHISHING

The Jamaica Bankers Association is informing the public about a new type of fraud called “phishing” (pronounced fishing), a term that describes email, which appears to be from a legitimate source or company, such as a bank. The email contains links to fraudulent, look-alike websites that “fish” for personal information such as account numbers, passwords or other such numbered-identification. This information, if obtained, can be used to commit identity theft or credit/debit card fraud.

These e-mails typically ask users to update their personal information, confirm their account status, or try a new online banking feature. An embedded link within the e-mail sends them to a bogus web-site that oftentimes looks similar to an actual online banking site. In addition to other sensitive data, users are asked to enter account user name and password under the guise of verifying who they are. This information can then be used to gain access to real accounts online. These “phishing” attempts have come to corporate email addresses, as well as to individual non-corporate addresses. The scams have been imitating well established banks all over the world.

Banks which provide online banking services, may communicate with its clients via e-mail. The majority of these communications are, however, to provide information and updates about their services. Banks do not send an e-mail asking for passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information.

The JBA recommends the following basic safety procedures;-

  - As a rule, don't provide personal data, Tax     Registration Number, account or credit card     information over the phone or via the Web unless     you've initiated the transaction.

  - Review the URL provided to ensure it leads to a valid     Web site. For instance, check the spelling or compare     it against the known URL you use to access your     online banking application.

  - Leave any suspicious sites if you suspect that a Web     site is not what it purports to be. Do not follow any of     the instructions it presents.

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