South Africa Experiencing Persistent Phishing Scams

A security investigation by market intelligence company 'I-Net Bridge' reveals that it is important for consumers and investors to move cautiously since Internet phishing scams continue to plague South Africa. The company further warns that fresh potential scams are occurring related to Internet dealings.

An ongoing phishing scam is distributing fraudulent e-mails to just-enrolled Standard Bank customers, with the message showing the subject, "Standard Bank Alert: Notification of Irregular Account Activity." While some of the phishing e-mails show the sender's address as securityst@standardbank.co.za, others use datacode@standardbank.co.za.

Moreover, the text of the e-mail tells the recipient (customer) that some irregular activities have been detected on his Standard Bank account on 7/20/2009. Thus, to remain protected, the recipient should authenticate the activity prior to continuing operating his account, the message indicates.

The e-mail instructs that the recipient must read a statement by clicking on a given link, saying that all customers have been sent the instruction mandating each one to follow it. Nonetheless, a small clue that indicates the e-mail's fraudulent nature is the poor quality logo of Standard Bank.

Meanwhile, this is merely a single instance of numerous variations the cyber crooks are employing. Another phishing scam is circulating on the Internet due to which the SARS (SA Revenue Service) has cautioned taxpayers about fraudulent e-mails soliciting personal information.

SARS states - a number of South African nationals have got an e-mail spoofing the agency. This e-mal has come from the address, return@sars.co.za, stating that a tax reimbursement is due to them. Additionally, a link is provided for accessing a SARS form for making the claim but it actually tricks taxpayers into furnishing their personal details, SARS explains.

Moreover, other scammers are creating havoc as they pretend to represent other leading banks in South Africa like FNB and Nedbank apart from Standard Bank. Unfortunately, many people get trapped into these kinds of Internet frauds leading to identity theft because so many bank phishing frauds have been occurring.

Hence, people are suggested to be extremely watchful since these scams could reappear in future, incorporating slight modifications.

Related article: South Korea Becomes Infamous For Being World’s Fifth Spamme

» SPAMfighter News - 8/13/2009