nowadays there are a lot of scams going online and we have to be aware of this.
Below i am sharing the messages from Public Bank Malaysia about the SMS phishing scam.
Public Bank every now and then will email to its customers and inform the customers of the threat from the scammers and educate the customers on what need to be done.
Dear Valued Cardmembers,
We would like to alert you to phishing attempts targeting cardmembers through fake SMS messages. These messages often impersonate the bank and claim that your reward points are expiring soon. They include links to fraudulent websites that mimic our official platforms in an attempt to steal your personal and card information.
For your awareness and protection, please refer to the steps below which outline the typical methods used by scammers, from the initial fraudulent SMS and leading to the unauthorized use of your card details.
Step 0: Victim Receives Fake SMS
Scammer sends a fake SMS that appears to come from a legitimate bank (e.g., Public Bank), warning that the victim’s credit card points are about to expire. The SMS includes a link that redirects to a phishing website.
IMPORTANT: Public Bank WILL NEVER SEND HYPERLINKS THROUGH SMS.
Step 1: User Clicks on Phishing Link
Victim clicks on the SMS link, landing on a fake banking site mimicking the real one.
Step 2: False Claim of Urgency
The fake site pressures the victim with claims their reward points are expiring soon.
Step 3: Victim Enters Card Details
Victim is tricked into entering full card details to redeem items.
Step 4: Scammer Misuses Card
A loading screen is shown while the scammer uses the card details to perform unauthorized transactions.
Your online security is our top priority. If you believe you may have clicked on such a link or disclosed sensitive information:
- Always call the telephone number behind your card or refer to Public Bank website “Contact” page when in doubt.
- Visit our PBe website to self-deactivate your credit/debit card.
- You may also visit our PBe website/ mobile app to activate ‘Kill Switch’ that enables you to disable your PBe User ID, ATM/debit/credit cards and deposit account from a single access point if you notice any unusual account activity or suspect your account has been compromised.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
PB Card Services
Public Bank Berhad
the above is from Public Bank Malaysia.
I hope this will help those especially the seniors on what they need to do.
if you have any feedback and comments, please use the comment section below
