The Internet is an information highway which is very useful for all of us. We browse the Internet for internet banking, online money transfer, online shopping, educational information for learning, playing online games, etc, and we use emails to communicate with others, wherever they are. While the Internet is very important part of our lives, the Internet will always be unsafe and dangerous world due to viruses bring spreading around, hackers attacking certain websites, iillegal spyware installed secretly to obtain sensitive information from the innocent users. The following are the common types of fraud and how to protect yourself against the fraud.
Common types of fraud and how to protect yourself against it.
Trojans
While we use emails, there will be some emails that look like real and genuine email. This is known as "Trojans" which are emails that look innocent, but may have links or attachments that can install harmful programmes onto your computer if you click on them. These programmes are designed to record your keystrokes (known as keystroke logging) which could enable fraudsters to get a hold of your personal information while you are using the Internet. This can mean the next time you enter your credit card details on your favourtie shop, the fraudsters will be alerted and use your information for their illegal purposes.
Phishing Emails
Phishing emails will ask you to confirm private information about your personal online details, such as User IDs, passwords and memorable information. These are not genuine emails. While we may send you emails from time to time, we will never send emails asking for your personal information. Don't be fooled. Emails and websites might not be what they seem. From time to time, Habib Bank UK may send you email, but we will never ask for your personal details by an email. Always check your name is at the top of email. We know who you are as we will always greet you personally. The fraudsters doesn't know your name personally. If you receive any email asking for your personal details, do not respond and always ignore and delete this email. If you receive an email from unknown source, or an email that contains unknown attachments or links, do not open attachments or click on the links.
Scam Emails / Money Mule
A current scam involves someone offering, via an email or website, to pay funds into your account on the understanding you then transfer them overseas. In return, you supposedly get a commission. Many of these scams involve the proceeds of fraud and you should ignore the request. Any customer that participates will become involved in a police investigation and we could close any account involved in this scam.
Spoof Websites / Typo-Squatting
This is also known as Cyber-Squatting. Spoof websites are setup which look like the genuine bank website. People accessing such sites, which are designed by fraudsters, are duped into providing personal data including bank account or debit/credit card details. This information will be used to establish duplicate identities (known as Identity Theft) or to fraudulently withdraw or purchase items at the person accessing the site's expense. The individuals named on the website as well as the contact details are all fictitious. These sites are usually access through people incorrectly typing the intended bank's web address. For example, instead of www.habibbankuk.com, a similar web address, e.g., www.habibukonline.com or www.habibuk.com will be opened. To avoid being caught by this type of scam, you should always type the URL (the website address) into the address bar and check that it is correct. The Bank makes every effort to ensure any fraudulent web sites are closed as soon as they are identified. The details of the fraudulent sites are passed on to law enforcement agencies for investigation and appropriate action. If you identify a fraudulent web site, you should immediately inform the Bank by email to . We have closed down fraudulents websites and we are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all fake websites are identified and closed to protect our Bank and our Customers.
Advance Fee / "419 Fraud"
These are emails promising you large cash pay-outs (typically in West Africa) in exchange for a small advance payment. The emails may appear to come from large banks, governments or lottery funds.
Computer updates
Always keep your computer and web browser updated. Manufacturers regulalry release securituy patches/updates when weaknesses are discovered in their systems and browsers. Check for the latest updates from your operating systems manufactures, like Microsoft, who regularly releases updates to protect yourself and your computer.
Firewall
The firewall will prevent unauthorised access and viruses being downloaded onto your computer when you are using the internet. You will need to instal the internet security tools (which is the combination of anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware and firewall software), and this will protect your computer. Always ensure these tools are updated on regular basis.
If you are in doubt about the suspicious email, do not click on the links or open an attachment. Instead, forward the email to us at . We will not be able to respond to every email individually, but we do investigate every email and take appropriate action and ensure that any fake websites are reported and closed immediately.