BANKS sending out legit messages to customers via SMS is not unusual.
However, it isn’t always obvious if the message is legitimately sent out from a banking institution... or a ruse by scammers.
Recently, some people have been receiving SMSes supposedly from their banks, telling them to redeem their unclaimed reward points.
Is this true?
Verdict:
FALSE
In an email sent out on Tuesday (Jan 7), Public Bank Berhad warned its customers to be aware of fake SMS messages supposedly about unclaimed reward points.
"To claim the points, victims are required to click on a link that directs them to a website prompting them to enter credit/debit card details and personal information.
"The fake websites and links may contain malware designed to steal the victim's credit/debit card details and personal information.
"Stay alert and do not click the link in the SMS," the bank said.
Public Bank has advised customers to always call the telephone number behind their card or refer the matter to the Public Bank website "Contact" page when in doubt.
"Visit our PBe website to self-deactivate your credit/debit card.
"You may also visit our PBe website/ mobile app to activate the 'Kill Switch' which enables you to disable your PBe User ID, ATM/debit/credit cards and deposit account from a single access point if you notice any unusual account activity or suspect your account has been compromised," it added.
