How to Recognize Scammers Posing as Bank Security Service

Fraud involving fake bank SMS and calls from the 'security service' is one of the most common ways to deceive banking service users. In recent years, with technological advancements, scammers have begun to use more sophisticated methods to steal money from trusting clients. In this article, we will look at the main schemes of such frauds and ways to protect your funds.

How Scammers Use Fake Calls from the 'Security Service'

Fraudsters often call victims, posing as bank security service employees. They usually report that suspicious transactions have been detected with the client's card. To prevent the loss of funds, scammers propose actions that supposedly help block the card and prevent theft. In reality, their goal is to steal money.

Signs of a Fraudulent Call:

1. Request for urgent actions. Scammers insist that you immediately transfer money to a 'safe' account. This is often under the pretext of protecting your funds from 'unknown persons'.
2. Transaction confirmation. Scammers may ask for a confirmation code that is supposedly needed to decline a suspicious operation. In reality, this code is used to transfer funds to the scammers' account.
3. Threat of account blocking. The conversation may include threats of immediate account blocking if you do not comply with their demands.

How to Distinguish a Real Call from a Fraudulent One

It is important to remember that real bank employees never ask you to transfer money to an external account. Here are some tips on how to distinguish a real call from a fraudulent one:

• Do not provide personal data. Real bank employees will not request PIN codes, passwords, or your card details.
• End the call and call back. If you think the call might be a scam, end the conversation and call the bank using the official number, which can be found on the website or in the mobile app.
• Check the number. If the number calling you differs from the official one, it's a clear sign of fraud.

Fake SMS from the Bank

Besides calls, scammers use SMS messages to deceive bank clients. These messages often mention card blocking, unauthorized access attempts, or the need to confirm a transaction. All these messages contain a link to a fake site where fraudsters try to steal clients' personal data.

Signs of Fake SMS:

1. Errors in the text. Scammers often make grammatical mistakes or use strange expressions that are not typical for official bank messages.
2. Suspicious links. The SMS may contain a link to a site that looks official but is actually fake. Clicking on such a link can lead to your data being stolen.
3. Unusual sender numbers. If the sender's number differs from your bank's standard number, it may be a sign of fraud.
4. Urgent demands. Messages that require immediate action are a sign that you are dealing with scammers. A bank never demands immediate actions in such a format.

How to Avoid Falling into Fraudsters' Trap

To avoid theft of personal data and financial losses, it is important to follow several simple but effective rules.

• Do not click on links in SMS. Never click on links received in messages, even if they look like official bank links. Instead, go to the bank's website directly using a browser.
• Do not provide confirmation codes. If you receive calls or messages asking to confirm a transaction, do not provide the code sent via SMS. It can be used to transfer money to someone else's account.
• Use two-factor authentication. This is an additional security measure that significantly reduces the risk of losing funds to fraud.
• Limit transaction limits. Set limits on transfers and purchases so that in case of data theft, scammers cannot transfer all your funds.
• Monitor transaction history. Regularly check your banking transactions and reports to quickly notice any suspicious transactions.
• SMS alerts. Enable notifications of completed operations. This will help you quickly learn about any transactions you did not make.

Conclusion

Fraud involving fake bank SMS and calls from the 'security service' has become a widespread method of deception, facing more and more bank clients. Scammers use various schemes to obtain personal data and funds, with their methods becoming increasingly sophisticated. However, by following simple safety rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of scammers. It is important to be vigilant and always verify information through the bank's official channels.