... > Common security scams
Common security scams
To help protect you from online fraud, we have listed below some of the most common scams and how you can avoid them.
If you think you have fallen victim to one of these scams, please contact us.
Phishing
Phishing scams are emails that may appear to be real, but they ask you to enter personal information or they have links to websites that might look like bankofcyprus.co.uk but are in fact ‘spoof’ websites. When you enter your details or click on the link, the information is sent to someone else, often a fraudster. Any information you disclose can therefore be captured and used by the fraudsters.
Whilst we may send you an email or text message from time to time, we will never ask for your security information, password or Online Banking log on details, or direct you to a webpage that asks for this information.
All emails from us come from bankofcyprus.co.uk and all text messages come from Bank Of Cyprus UK. This will tell you that they are genuine. Please be aware that fraudsters may try to simulate these details. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a message from us, please contact us.
You can protect yourself by treating any unsolicited emails or calls that ask for confidential information as suspicious. If in doubt, contact the company that supposedly sent you the message to make sure that it's genuine before you disclose any information.
Trojans or Worms
A trojan is a type of computer worm or virus that is installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent.
Typically, the fraudster will send you an email that tries to trick you into following a website link, downloading a piece of software or opening an attachment. If you take this action, the trojan is installed. While we may email you from time to time, we will never send you emails with attachments, or ask you for your security information, password or Online Banking log on details.
Trojans can be capable of recording passwords and other personal details by capturing keystrokes (known as a key logger) or taking screen shots of sites you visit. These details are then sent to the fraudster.
The best way to protect yourself from trojans is to install firewalls, anti-virus software and anti-spyware software on your computer and keep them up to date.
- Scan your system for trojans, spyware or adware on a regular basis
- Scan all email attachments for viruses
- Do not open emails from unknown senders
Money mules
‘Money mule’ is a term used to describe someone who is recruited by fraudsters needing to launder funds that they have obtained illegally. Most UK bank accounts won't let you make online cross-border transfers from overseas. Since most online fraudsters tend to be based outside the UK, they need money mules to launder the funds they receive from their scams.
Money mules receive funds into their accounts and send it to the fraudsters using a wire transfer service, minus their commission. They are recruited through a variety of methods, including spam emails, genuine recruitment websites, approaches to people whose CVs are available online, instant messaging and newspaper ads.
This scam offers you the chance to earn some easy money for a few hours' work each week, but beware: handling money that's been obtained fraudulently is a crime. You can protect yourself from becoming involved by:
- Treating any unsolicited job offers with suspicion, especially if the company is based overseas
- Verifying the details of any company that you’re considering working for
- Not giving your bank account details to anyone that you don't know and trust
To learn more about these and other scams visit the UK banking industry's site Bank Safe Online