It is convenient to access our bank through the internet, so we can avoid face-to-face procedures. However, the network also harbors dangers for the security of your bank accounts. One of the biggest threats lies in the fraudulent messages that warn us of dangers, they are only avoidable if we identify ourselves in an attached link. A new phishing scam has recently been uncovered in which we receive a message impersonating Banco Santander.
If you receive an email that seems to have been sent by Banco Santander in which you are required to carry out a verification process, be wary of it. This is a phishing scam containing a fraudulent link. This will direct us to a forgery of the Spanish bank’s website , where they will tell us to enter our data. In order for us to act quickly, the message contains threats that our account will be blocked if we do not manage it. If we enter them, criminals will be able to access the account.
Your account needs attention
The malicious message is presented with the subject “CUSTOMER SERVICE Santander Spain – account needs attention (series of numbers)” . Thus, they suggest that the recipient be alarmed and quickly enter the mail. If we continue reading, we will be directed towards us warning us of the precarious state of our account, which needs to be verified.
The message will surely be accompanied by the bank logo and all kinds of details. Inside it contains a colorful link called “Start verification” which will redirect us to a website that simulates being the account access screen. Finally, there they will require the number of our identification document (NIF or NIE) and the access code.
If we enter our credentials, an error message will be displayed telling us to try again. Simply by introducing them once, criminals will already have them in their possession. For this reason, it is essential that we do not enter any data, not even our ID.
Also by SMS
Although we usually receive the message by email, it can also reach us by SMS . In this case, the message will be shorter and may add other aspects, such as the interference of a third party. In any case, it is a similar scam, so do not even think about accessing the link, let alone entering sensitive data. In this case it is best to block the number.
Occasionally our mobile will notify us immediately that the message we have just received is spam or fraudulent. As in its electronic version, it is possible to distinguish yourself. Suspected contains errors or the name of the bank is written in lowercase. Another way to detect it is to check if the message opens a new chat instead of continuing with previous messages.
The best precaution to avoid phishing scams is to learn to recognize fraudulent messages. It is vital to anticipate scams, but if we have already clicked it is important to act quickly, but calmly. The first thing you should do is change the passcode , if possible, from another device. It is also advisable to notify your bank so that they are aware of possible incidents.
For the future, do not open messages from unknown users and even less reply to them. Of course, never enter your credentials on an unverified website. If you have any doubts about the veracity of the messages or the procedures, contact your bank to confirm them. At the slightest alteration of your deposit, inform the police and file a complaint.