SUVA, (ANZ) — As scammers use increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit consumers, ANZ is urging customers to be aware of business email compromise and fake invoice scams.
Criminals may pose as a legitimate business and request the urgent transfer of funds to a new account or send false invoices with fraudulent details.
ANZ Regional Executive Pacific, Sarah Stubbings, said: “A scammer could hack into the system of a legitimate business to alter the details on a payment request, so the customer pays the scammer’s account, rather than the legitimate business.
“Small and medium sized businesses are often targets for cyber criminals, because their systems can be easier to infiltrate.
“Always check invoice details with the person or company you are paying, especially if it’s your first time making payments to a particular account, or when the account details seem to have changed.
“If you’re intending to pay a large amount, send a small amount first, then check the legitimate company or individual received it before sending a larger amount.
“Never call the phone number given in a suspicious email or message. Use a phone number you sourced independently and if possible, talk to the person you have previously dealt with.
“If you receive an email or message that creates a sense of urgency to make a payment, don’t rush. Be extra diligent if you receive an email that asks you to verify your Customer Registration Number, password or PIN,” Stubbings said.
How to spot these scams?
*Unexpected contact method or requests: Be wary if someone you do not usually have email or social media messaging contact with reaches out with a payment request.
*Dodgy domains: A cybercriminal will often pick up an email domain that closely resembles the true sender – check the email address carefully to ensure it matches.
*Modified payment details on an invoice: Check payment details against previous invoices from that business and question any changes to payment details directly with the company or individual you’re paying.
*Poorly written text or inconsistent message formats: Check for grammatical or spelling errors and look out for anything in a tone that does not match the way the sender usually writes (though a well-written message does not mean it is from the legitimate sender) …. PACNEWS