Beware of a growing fraud trend where criminals pose as banks offering fake compensation or refunds. This scam preys on individuals by claiming there was a bank error, an overcharge, or that they are entitled to a special payment.
These fraudulent offers often arrive unexpectedly via email, text message, or even phone calls. The message typically states that due to an issue with your account or a system error, you are owed a significant amount of money as compensation. To claim this supposed payment, you are instructed to click a link, call a number, or reply with your personal information, including account details, online banking credentials, or even copies of identification.
The goal of these fraudsters is simple: steal your sensitive personal information and bank details to commit identity theft or directly access your funds. They might also demand an upfront fee or processing charge before the “compensation” can be released, which is another classic scam tactic.
Spotting these fake offers is key to staying secure. Legitimate banks will rarely contact you out of the blue requesting sensitive information or asking you to pay a fee to receive money owed to you. Always be suspicious of unsolicited contact claiming you are due funds.
To protect yourself from this type of fraud, never click on links or open attachments from unexpected emails or messages claiming to be from your bank about compensation. Do not share your personal information, account numbers, passwords, or one-time codes with anyone who contacts you this way. If you receive such an offer and are unsure, contact your bank directly using the official phone number found on their website or the back of your card, not a number provided in the suspicious message. By staying vigilant and knowing the signs of this scam, you can safeguard your finances and personal information.
Source: https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/fake-bank-payments/53578/
