Bangkok Bank warns of viral fraud

PHUKET: Bangkok Bank has issued a warning about malicious software designed to make bank transactions from the accounts of customers who have registered for their online banking service, ‘Bualuang iBanking’.

Bangkok Bank’s warning explained that false messages have been sent to iBanking customers via SMS, MMS and emails purporting to be from the bank.

The messages ask the receiver to download or install malicious software onto their mobile phone, tablet or computer, which allows scammers to make transactions without the account owner knowing it, explained Wassana Nakchaineramit, senior marketing officer of Bangkok Bank Phuket branch.

Bangkok Bank will never send an SMS, MMS or emails requesting customers to download or install any software or application to make a transaction, confirmed Ms Wassana.

“Whenever iBanking customers log in to use the service, there is an SMS automatically sent to their phone showing that they have used the iBanking service. However, if the interaction is prompted through the malicious software, the client will not receive the text message,” said Ms Wassana.

“We have to warn our customers about this issue in order to avoid any possible losses. However, there have not been any cases reported in Phuket yet,” she says

The bank has urged customers not to download programs from unreliable sources or make financial transactions using any device with jail-broken (iOS) or rooted (Android) operating systems. Additionally, they have advised customers to install anti-virus applications onto mobile phones, tablets and computers.

Customers who have received any messages or have clicked on or downloaded any suspicious applications are encouraged to immediately stop any transactions and contact the Bualuang phone service at 1333. The service is available 24 hours a day.

— Nattha Thepbamrung