14 DAY TRIAL // Customers of Westpac Bank are advised to be on the lookout these days for emails informing them that their credit cards have been suspended after an error was detected in their account information.
The emails, spotted by Hoax Slayer, are entitled “Westpac Update Account Information” and they read something like this:
“Dear Westpac Customer,
Your Credit Card has been Suspended, as an error was detected in your Credit Card information.
The reason for the error is 1. You have changed your billing address. 2. You have Submitted incorrect information during bill payment process. 3. Your credit/debit card has expired. 4. You didn't update your Westpac profile.
We need you to update your information for further use of this Credit Card. you can do so via: [link]
If you have already confirmed your billing information then please disregard this message As we are processing the changes you have made.
NOTE: If this is not resolved within 72 hours, we will be forced to suspend your Credit Card Permanently as it may be used fraudulently. The purpose of this verification is to ensure that your Credit Card account has not been fraudulently used.”
The emails have nothing to do with Westpac. Instead, they’re sent by cybercriminals who hope they can trick unsuspecting users into handing over their personal and financial details.
Internauts who click on the links contained in these emails are taken to a bogus Westpac website where they’re asked to hand over their name, card type, card number, expiration date, security code, country, date of birth, password and other sensitive details.
All this information is more than enough for the crooks to perform fraudulent transactions or identity theft.
Those who have already fallen for it and have handed over their details are advised to immediately contact the financial institution.