THE public has been urged to stay vigilant following reports of an online scam using false advertisements and phishing messages on Facebook and email.A statement issued this week by Bank of South Pacific (BSP) warned that these messages appear to promote
Internet Banking registration but contain malicious links designed to defraud customers.
“These misleading ads falsely claim to offer BSP Internet Banking registration and direct users to click on suspicious links,” it stated.
“BSP confirms that it does not offer online registration for Internet Banking and strongly advises customers not to engage with or click on any such content.”
BSP country head Haroon Ali said the bank was aware that fraudulent advertisements were being shared on Facebook and that some customers, unaware of the scam, had clicked the suspicious links.
“These ads are not from BSP,” Mr Ali said.
“We are actively reporting and working with relevant online platforms and authorities to have them taken down.
“At the same time, we are reinforcing customer education on digital safety,” he said.
The bank advised the public that BSP’s official Internet Banking registration process can only be completed in person at any BSP branch, where customers are required to present a valid photo ID.
“We remind the general public that when they see an ad asking them to click on a link to register for BSP Internet Banking, please delete it immediately and call the bank to report it,” Mr Ali cautioned.
As part of its precautionary measure, BSP has activated a digital safety campaign across it’s staff network Fiji-wide, through social media and with mainstream media to help create awareness.
It urged customers to only trust information shared through BSP’s verified communication channels such as posts on BSP’s official website, social media page and direct contact from BSP staff or the Customer Service Centre.
