Criminals send e-mails and SMS messages impersonating us and forcing us to provide sensitive data – warns Santander Bank Polska.
As Santander Bank Polska explains, fraudsters may inform, for example, about the need to verify or update data and the mobile application.
“The message contains a link that directs you to a website impersonating our online banking website,” we read in Santander's announcement.
As added, “if you provide your data, it will fall into the hands of fraudsters! Criminals want to obtain your data and access to your account in order to steal money.”
Sample messagesSantander Bank Polska
How not to be deceived
The bank explains that you should not click on links that raise doubts and come from unknown recipients. Similarly with scanning QR codes.
“Remember – we do not send e-mails or text messages with links!” – warns the bank. “We never ask you to log in to online banking or provide payment card details by sending links in text messages or e-mails,” we read.
The bank recommends checking the addresses and certificates of websites where we provide our data and login details. “Only log in via the mobile app or our official login pages,” he explains.
How to recognize phishing
Phishing is a method that involves sending fake e-mails or text messages. Criminals impersonate a person or company and send messages with a link or attachment. The link usually leads to a fake quick payments page or online banking login page.
Scammers often change their tactics, but there are some signs that can help you spot a phishing email or text message.
Phishing emails and text messages may appear to come from a company you know or trust. At first glance, they may look familiar because criminals want to lower our vigilance. Fake news often tells a story to get people to click on a link or open an attachment.
The most frequently used scenarios that should make you alert: information that there is suspicious activity or login attempts on your account, there is a problem with your account or payment information, you need to confirm some personal information, you have an unpaid invoice, you need to pay extra for shipping or you have a coupon for free stuff.
The largest banks in Poland
The largest bank in Poland is PKO BP. It has approximately twelve million customers and the value of assets exceeds PLN 500 billion.
The next places in the ranking of the largest banks in terms of assets are taken by Pekao, Santander, ING Bank Śląski and mBank.
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