PrivatBank customers warned about telephone fraudsters
28 April 08:25
Fraudsters have become more active in Ukraine, sending mass emails impersonating PrivatBank. Cardholders are receiving calls from allegedly employees of the financial institution’s “security service” and are informed that several transactions have been made on the client’s account to the territory of Russia. This was reported by the press service of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
How the fraudulent scheme works
Thus, cardholders receive a call from the number 044 364 53 20, allegedly from PrivatBank’s “security service”, who report that “several small transactions to the territory of the aggressor country have been made from the client’s card over the past 20 minutes”.
In particular, the scammers offer to cancel the transfer, take out fraud insurance, and pressure people to immediately fulfill their demands, including recording a voice message and “verifying” their bank card details. To be more authentic, the fraudsters call their “personal number” which can allegedly be found on Privat’s website.
“In this way, fraudsters are trying to obtain customer data for further illegal actions to seize funds,” the press service warned.
The CDC reminded that bank employees never ask for the card number, PIN, and CVV code.
How to protect yourself from fraud?
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, follow these recommendations:
- Refer to official sources. In case of doubt, call the Privatbank hotline or check the information through the official website or mobile application.
- Do not disclose confidential data. The bank never asks for passwords, codes or card numbers via email.
“So, in no case do not disclose personal information or make financial transactions during calls or messages from unknown persons. Call the bank’s contact center and report the offenders. If you are a victim of fraud, contact the cyber police or other competent authorities,” the Center emphasized.
