Cyber Fraud on the Rise in Namibia Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the global fear and chaos to perpetrate fraudulent activities in Namibia.
Tactics Used by Cyber Fraudsters
According to Bank Windhoek’s Manager of Forensic Services, Johnny Truter, cyber fraudsters are using tactics such as:
- Emails and attachments related to COVID-19
- Social media messages
- Text messages claiming to be from reputable organizations or government agencies
These tactics aim to trick people into divulging private information.
Ransomware Attacks on the Rise
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has reported a surge in ransomware attacks on hospitals and other institutions fighting the pandemic. In Namibia, industry experts warn that payment frauds, including:
- Card payments
- EasyWallet transfers
- Proof-Of-Payment scams
are expected to increase.
Bank Windhoek’s Response
Bank Windhoek has put measures in place to combat this growing threat and is urging its staff and customers to remain vigilant. Customers have already reported receiving calls from fraudsters claiming to be from the bank, asking for account and card numbers, as well as PINs.
To protect themselves from these scams, Bank Windhoek advises its customers to:
- Only open emails or download software from trusted sources
- Never share their PIN with anyone
- Avoid clicking on links or unknown attachments from unknown senders
The bank also recommends using strong passwords, keeping track of financial transactions, and being cautious of suspicious email subject matters.
AlertMe Service Notification System
Bank Windhoek is promoting the use of its AlertMe service notification system, which sends SMS alerts to customers whenever transactions take place on their accounts. This free service provides customers with real-time updates on:
- Debit and credit card transactions
- Login and payment activities on Internet Banking (iBank) platforms
Red Flags and What to Do
The bank emphasizes that it will never send emails to update customer details or include links to do so, nor will it call customers to ask for banking information. If customers suspect they have been targeted by a scam or fraud, they are advised to contact the Bank Windhoek Customer Contact Centre immediately.
Conclusion
By remaining vigilant and taking proactive measures to protect themselves from cyber fraud, Namibians can reduce their risk of falling victim to these scams and keep their financial information safe during this uncertain time.