Bank warns of phishing scam

By M. Krishnamoorthy

KUALA LUMPUR: Fraudsters playing on fraud -- that is the phishing scam involving a local bank’s Internet banking site.

You would have received an e-mail titled Public Bank Security Precaution, purportedly from the bank, stating that there has been a recent report that a fraudulent e-mail is circulating.

“You are required to confirm your Online Access profile to prevent this. To initiate this process use the Logon link below, Help us keep our bank Safe from Online Fraud,” the e-mail states.

A Public Bank spokesman said anyone receiving such an e-mail should delete or ignore it.

“The bank has not issued the e-mail and it is a scam.”

The e-mail provides a hyperlink, which appears to link to the Internet banking service, but instead redirects customers to a fraudulent (“spoofed”) website, which has a login page that is identical to the real website.

Customers who try to login would inadvertently reveal their User ID and password. The spokesman assured that this fraud attempt had not affected Public Bank’s Internet banking service.

“We have a policy never to communicate security matters to customers via e-mail.

“You should never access the website via a hyperlink from an e-mail,” the spokesman added.

If you if any queries, contact: Customer Support Helpdesk ” 03-2179 5000 or via e-mail ” customersupport@publicbank.com.my.