We have been made aware of a threatening new fraud network that is targeting FNB customers who are in arrears or under debt review. These skilled scammers are leveraging WhatsApp to impersonate authentic FNB employees, tricking at-risk customers into making payments to fraudulent accounts.
How the Scam Works
This collection syndicate operates with alarming precision:
Initial Contact: Fraudsters first reach out by phone to customers who are behind on payments and currently under debt review. They have access to enough personal information to appear legitimate during these calls.
WhatsApp Deception: After the initial phone contact, the scammers move the conversation to WhatsApp, where they present themselves as official FNB representatives. The WhatsApp communications are carefully crafted to appear authentic and professional.
False Legitimacy: The fraudsters use convincing visual elements including official-looking FNB logos on debt removal forms and WhatsApp business profiles. These elements are designed to make targeted customers believe they are communicating through a legitimate FNB business WhatsApp channel.
The Trap: Once trust is established, the fraudsters convince customers to settle their arrears by depositing money into incorrect accounts that differ from those specified in their original credit agreements.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be immediately suspicious if you receive communications that:
- Request payment into different bank accounts than those on your original credit agreement
- Arrive via WhatsApp claiming to be from FNB collections
- Ask you to change your official banking details through informal channels
- Pressure you to make immediate payments through unofficial channels
FNB's Official Position
FNB has issued a clear statement to all customers: FNB will never ask customers to make payments into alternative accounts or change official banking details via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. This is a firm policy with no exceptions.
If you are genuinely in arrears, FNB will only request payments through official channels and into the accounts specified in your original credit agreement.
What to Do If You're Targeted
Do not make any payments if you receive messages asking you to deposit money into different bank accounts, even if you are legitimately behind on payments.
Report immediately by calling the FNB Fraud Line at 087 575 9444 if you receive suspicious communications.
Verify independently by contacting FNB through official channels if you're unsure about any communication claiming to be from the bank.
Protecting Yourself
Remember that legitimate financial institutions have strict protocols for customer communications. When in doubt, always verify through official channels before taking any financial action. Your vigilance is your best defense against these increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
Stay alert, stay protected, and never hesitate to verify suspicious communications through official FNB channels.