BOV issues fresh warning on new scams

Bank of Valletta has issued a warning urging customers to be wary of a series of new scams that are currently in circulation. Some of these new scams are in the form of SMS messages that include links to fake sites, claiming that customers’ debit or credit cards are blocked, or that their password has been locked, and asking potential victims to click on the link to release their cards or passwords.

Other scams are in the form of alerts about transaction authorisations, asking customers to insert their card data to cancel transactions if these are not authorised. Other SMSs warn customers that their mobile signature is restricted and ask them to log onto a site guising as a BOV internet or mobile login to release the signature.

It is important to point out that some SMSs are being received in the same thread of SMSs that legitimately originate from BOV, deceiving customers into believing that BOV is sending this message. Fraudsters are also using emails to dupe potential victims.

These latest scams are all designed to trick potential victims into taking ‘urgent action’ and giving out sensitive financial information such as bank account numbers, passwords, card details, or authorising financial transactions. It is important to keep in mind that Bank of Valletta does not send SMSs containing links to websites. Customers should never click on links that appear in SMS messages, even if these appear in bank SMS threads, and should never give out sensitive information.

The Bank will not ask for ask for account or card numbers in full, card CVV details (the 3 digits at the back of the card), card PINS, internet or mobile banking passwords, codes, signatures, one-time passwords, or multi-factor authentication. Bank employees will never ask customers for information that leads them to carry out financial transactions over the phone.

The Bank urges the public to be vigilant and cautious at all times. When in doubt customers are urged to contact the Bank immediately. Calling the number 2131 2020 will direct them to the legitimate BOV Customer Service Centre, where they can verify any calls or SMSs that they have received.