BANKS have issued a warning on the dangers of spamming and phishing attacks during the World Cup.

BANKS have issued a warning on the dangers of spamming and phishing attacks during the World Cup.

Christo Vrey, managing executive of Absa digital and self-service channel, said such fraudulent activities were common during large sporting events like the World Cup. "One such fake e-mail purporting to be from Absa claims that the bank has initiated a beneficial programme for its customers to reward them for their honest and usual patronage.

"The e-mail claims that under the 'Absa Must Top Up Programme', the recipient's bank account balance will be credited with a substantial amount during the World Cup," Vrey said.

He said the e-mail said for the recipient to claim, Absa needs to verify account activities by deducting a minimal amount from it to guarantee a share in the programme. "This is a phishing scam designed to trick bank customers into handing over their bank login details to Internet scammers," Vrey said.

"The common defence against e-mail phishing is never to click on the link provided on the e-mail," he said.

Vrey also outlined some safety tips:

l Access your Internet banking session by manually typing the web address into your browser and then click the logon icon;

l Keep your access information such as account number, user number, PIN and passwords secure;

l Install and regularly update the latest anti-virus software.