Fake E-mail Attacking BOV Customers

An e-mail pretending to be from Bank of Valletta (BOV) [based in Malta], has been identified making rounds on the Internet, as reported by di-ve on June 8, 2011.

In a recent statement, BOV stated that the bogus e-mail notifies customers that their account will soon expire and, through a link enclosed in the e-mail message, directs the customer to a fake website where he/she is requested to log in to his/her Net Banking account.

The Bank stated that, this e-mail was sent via a method known as phishing - a category of online fraud and identity theft, wherein a malicious third party tries to persuade customers into visiting a fake bank website to steal identity as well as information. Such websites are designed to imitate genuine bank websites so as to attract visitors in thinking that he/she is really logged on to the bank's authentic website.

The bank emphasized that it would never ask its clients to furnish login credentials, PINs or credit card information via e-mails, telephones or any other mode of communication. It also cautioned its clients to stay alert, and to never follow links included in the e-mails but to type in the bank's actual URL - www.bov.com - directly when they want to visit the bank's website.

Further, security experts stated that, unfortunately, cases such as the above mentioned ones highlight the fact that, phishing scams are undeniably augmenting with each passing day.

Due to the maliciousness related with scams of the above mentioned kinds, security experts provided few simple security tips to evade phishing attacks: First and foremost, experts suggested that internet users should keep on frequently changing their password i.e. around every 2-3 months. Further, it's also suggested to add alpha numerics to the passwords. Besides, users should keep up-to-date with the most newer versions of security patches. They should frequently update operating system and internet browser with the most recent security patches, ensuring all security and important patches are applied. They must use essential Internet security software and, if possible, personal firewalls also. Conclusively, internet users are suggested to report phishing, whether they are a victim or not. For instance: in the above mentioned case, netizens who have got phishing e-mail purporting to be from BOV should report it immediately to the bank.

Related article: Fake Spam Mail Announces Australian PM’s Heart Attack

» SPAMfighter News - 6/23/2011