The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is continuing to advise residents, as well as business staff, to remain vigilant for sophisticated online and telephone-based fraud, targeting local bank accounts.
Ongoing awareness efforts, by the BPS and local banks, highlight the importance of avoiding fraudulent communications that appear authentic.
Once again, if you receive a suspicious call, text or e-mail claiming to be from your bank, do not act on any instructions received.
Proactive steps to take instead:
- Verify all communications. Don’t take any call, text message, or e-mail, requesting complete banking and/or personal information, at face value. Confirm independently, by contacting your respective bank, using the number on your bank card.
- Don’t share sensitive information. Your bank will never ask you for passwords or PIN numbers.
- Avoid suspicious links & messages. Any urgent sounding text messages or e-mails with links should be bypassed entirely. Don’t respond to the message, don’t click on any links and don’t download any attachments.
- Activate account security. Additional security measures, like two-factor authentication and real time transaction alerts, can help thwart unauthorised account activity.
- Advise senior citizens appropriately. Older residents should ignore persuasive callers, as well as compelling e-mails and text messages.
Report suspected fraud promptly. If you have already disclosed personal information, installed any remote access software or transferred funds, contact your bank immediately and report the matter to the Bermuda Police Service.
