Scam Alert: Your Customer might pay a Scammer instead of You

Email Interception & Change of Banking Detail Scam

This scam has most notably involved transfers of large sums of money, but anyone can be a victim.

Depending on exactly how the scam was carried out, you might be liable for your customer's loss. You and your customer can both be targeted in this scam.

Please read about this type of scam below.

How the scam works:

• The scammer gains access to you or your customers email account, using methods such as Phishing.
• The scammer monitors the compromised email account until they see a payable invoice, or potential exchange of money.
• The scammer might alter the email, or, replace it with a identical email, but with your banking details switched to that of the scammer.
• The scammer might also send an email to your customer informing them that your banking details have changed.
• Your customer then logs into their email account, sees the scammers version of your invoice or email, and makes payment to the wrong account.

Steps you can take to avoid being a victim:

• Confirm your banking details with your customer over the phone, or on a platform with end-to-end encryption such as Whatsapp (use a known number).
• Warn your customers about this scam and tell them that you will not inform them of 'new' banking details by email.
• Be extra vigilant when dealing with large sums of money. Make absolutely sure that the correct banking details are used.

payPod Banking details

Bank: FNB Account Holder: Web Sprout (Pty) Ltd Account Number: 62888647800 Branch code: 250655 Account Type: Cheque