The Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) advises its customers that there are unauthorized text messages being circulated in the public domain, as well as persons impersonating bank officials requesting confidential banking and personal information. The unauthorized persons are asking for customers to update their banking details by filling out a particular form and return it to an email address purportedly that of the bank. These messages are fraudulent and are considered “phishing”.
“Phishing” is a type of identity theft where criminals use emails to try to bait you into fake websites or other medium to solicit personal information. Once there, you are asked to disclose confidential financial and personal information, like passwords, credit card numbers, access codes or National Identification Number. The most familiar type of phishing scam is an email threatening consequences if you do not log in and take action immediately.
BATT is strongly advising that customers do not respond to any messages such as text, emails or private messages on social media. Do not open attachments, or click on suspicious links from reputable institutions or unknown senders asking for personal or financial information.
Always remember that your Bank will never send you unsolicited messages asking for confidential information, such as your password, PIN, access code, credit card and account numbers. Please note that your Bank will never ask you to validate or restore your account access through email or pop-up windows.
If you have entered personal information after clicking on a link or suspect fraudulent behaviour, please call your bank immediately.
