SEB warns of fraudsters sending SMS messages claimed to come from the bank

SEB Bank has received information about SMS messages sent supposedly in the name of the bank. Fraudulent messages inform people of a message available at the indicated link leading to a fake Internet Bank website. This way, fraudsters seek to obtain log-in data for the Internet Bank access and pocket funds in bank accounts.

‘Fraud which includes SMS messaging claimed to come from a bank is a fairly new fraud method in Lithuania and quite common in Europe. So far, in Lithuania we have been aware of phone fraudsters or fake e. mail sender attempts to coax customer log-in data for access to the Internet Bank system. The number of such and similar fraudster attacks will only increase, as with the help of social engineering fraudsters are using more and more sophisticated  ways of deceit to achieve their aims, therefore, people should be watchful and attentive.  We advise to refrain from opening any link sent in an SMS and after opening the website to check the browser address field, making sure that it is the bank’s official website. In our turn, we do our best to educate the public and improve its financial literacy so that people are not trapped by fraudsters, and in similar situations we act fast, drawing our customers attention to similar type fraudster activities’, says Audrius Šapola, Director of the Prevention Department of SEB Bank.

The bank strongly advises its customers after opening the log-in to the Internet Bank page to be sure to check the address field – e-banking systems always use safe SSL/TLS communication protocol, therefore, the address necessarily begins with https. Fake website address typically starts without an ‘s’, just http.

We urge customers to remain wary and attentive, and be critical towards the messages they receive (e-mails, SMS messages, etc.), in which they are asked to open an attachment or a link sent, enter log-in data for access to the Internet Bank. In case of any doubt about a message received, SEB Bank customers may contact SEB Bank anytime 24 hours a day and enquire by phone: +370 5 268 2800  or Skype: SEB.Lietuvoje.