Staff Writer
Standard Bank has warned the public about a new scam circulating in Namibia in which fraudsters pose as representatives of WiFi or internet service providers.
The callers claim they need to “upgrade your WiFi connection” or “improve your internet speed”. They then instruct victims to carry out banking transactions on their phones.
According to the bank, the scammers tell people to dial the PayPulse code under the pretext of assisting with a WiFi upgrade. Once the victim follows the steps, unauthorised digital transactions are processed without their knowledge.
Colanè Esterhuizen-Andreas, fraud risk manager at Standard Bank, said customers must remain alert.
“WiFi or internet upgrades never require any form of banking activity. The bank will never ask customers to dial USSD codes, approve payments, or move money in order to enable services from another provider. If someone calls you and asks you to perform any transaction on your phone, it is a scam,” said Esterhuizen-Andreas.
She urged the public to end any call where they feel pressured or unsure.
Standard Bank reminded customers not to dial USSD codes or perform transactions at someone else’s instruction, even if the caller claims to represent a known service provider. WiFi or internet upgrades do not require banking authorisation.
The bank said it will never request PINs, passwords or one-time passwords or ask customers to approve payments to enable non-banking services. It also advised customers not to share banking details with anyone, even individuals claiming to be bank staff.
“Hang up immediately if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain during any call. Standard Bank continues to monitor emerging fraud trends and is committed to educating the public to help prevent financial loss.”
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Colanè Esterhuizen-Andreas
