Scam Warning: Impersonation Of Bank Employees With New Scam Tactics
During this Lunar New Year season, we are seeing an increase in sophisticated online scams targeting bank customers. Hong Leong Bank would like you to be aware of these bank staff impersonation scams:
Impersonation Scenario 1: Biometric Setup Assistance
Technique employed: Fraudsters create fake accounts impersonating a bank employee, customer support, etc., and contact you via phone, text message, messaging service (Zalo, Facebook...), or even interact with customer comments on the official Bank's Fanpage to assist with facial recognition registration.
Impersonation Scenario 2: Assistance with Resetting Password
Technique employed:
Fraudsters collect and purchase information from black markets for publicly exposed data that users themselves have posted on platforms like Google, Facebook, Zalo, etc.
The fraudsters use various accounts and random passwords to deliberately attempt multiple incorrect logins, causing the victim's account to be locked.
They then impersonate bank employees, informing the victim that their account has been locked and offering direct assistance by manipulating your trust.
Impersonation Scenario 3: Assistance with Increasing Credit Limit
Technique employed: Fraudsters impersonate bank employees and contact you to introduce loan packages with low interest rates with simple and fast procedures, and send friend requests via social media platforms like Zalo, Facebook, etc.
| SCAMMING METHOD: | ||
They ask you to provide personal information to verify your identity including asking for online banking login details, images of your ID card, photos of the customer's face, or even request a video call to gather additional voice and biometric data. |
The next step involves enticing you to click on a suspicious link to download and install a fake app that collects your biometric data. |
Next they capture your real username and password, then use it to log into your real HLB Connect account to make transactions using your captured Biometric data. |
SAFETY PRINCIPLES TO KEEP IN MIND FOR ONLINE TRANSACTIONS
Only register for facial recognition verification on the HLB Connect app or at Hong Leong Bank branches.
Do not click on suspicious links or install apps from unverified sources.
Never share sensitive information (login credentials, password, OTP, PIN, etc.), card images, or personal identification document images with anyone, including bank employees.
Register your own phone number and enable balance alert notifications on the HLB Connect app.
Regularly check your account and card transaction history and monitor notifications from Hong Leong Bank via email or the HLB Connect app.
Proactively enter an incorrect password five times to lock account login access, or immediately lock your card on the HLB Connect app if you suspect fraud or a security breach.
Only download and install official apps from trusted sources like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (CH Play).
In case of emergency, such as fraud or suspected breach of transaction information, please contact the customer support center at 1900 633 068 for assistance.