Don't be caught out by fraudsters

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in so-called "financial crime", where organized criminal gangs seek to exploit the world's financial systems to further their own illegal ends.

We have become aware that fraudsters are currently targeting customers of various banking organizations on a worldwide basis asking for personal information, which is subsequently used for fraudulent means.

Many of the victims are completely innocent individuals who have been hoodwinked into providing confidential details of their banking, investment or other accounts to fraudsters who then proceed to attempt to steal the victims' cash.

The following points should be emphasized:

1. Do not respond to any requests for personal information, whether written or by telephone, which you believe we should already know. It is fairly easy for fraudsters to construct letters, which appear to have come from banking or financial institutions.

These letters will often require you to complete an official-looking declaration or similar form requesting details of your accounts including account numbers and personal information such as your date of birth or place of work, mothers maiden name etc. Fraudsters are very keen to obtain this information, as this could enable them to pass themselves off as you when calling your bank.

2. Similarly, treat any unexpected telephone calls purporting to come from your bank as being potentially suspicious.

3. Check the security of your arrangements for receiving and storing mail and be aware when opening your mail. Could your bank statement or other documents have been intercepted or opened before you received it?