Common Frauds and Threats

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Most common frauds and threats

Our website is in a safe environment, but you need to take care to guard against Internet fraudsters. It is important that you are aware of potential fraud attempts that originate from the Internet.
 
Click on the headings below to find information on the most common frauds and threats:

Vishing is when an individual calls you claiming to be from the Bank, or a company providing a service and request financial and/or personal and security information.

  • The term is a combination of ‘voice’ and phishing. It is typically used to steal credit card numbers or other information used in identity theft schemes from individuals.

The phone number displayed on your handset may appear to be a genuine Bank phone number but these can be mimicked by criminals.

If you suspect any fraudulent activity from any call you receive, you should ask the caller to confirm their authenticity and if still in doubt of the caller’s authenticity, end the call. If you feel your bank details have been compromised, contact our Support team on 0818 565 500. Lines are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

The effects of malware can vary widely depending on what it is designed to do.  Some cause little or no damage, while others can be very dangerous and deliberately target customers who bank online. Banking specific malware can gather personal or security information entered on the infected PC/laptop/phone. Such malware can gain access to the device when the user is tricked into opening or running an infected attachment they have received from a seemingly legitimate mail, through an infected file they have downloaded or even by visiting an infected website.

For more information on staying safe online go to: https://www.getsafeonline.org/nca/

Phishing is a common technique used by fraudsters in an attempt to obtain personal and security information for the purpose of identity theft or financial gain. The fraudsters use email messages that appear to come from legitimate businesses in an attempt to fool you into visiting a fake website and supplying your personal details. Financial institutions are frequently targeted by these types of attacks.

Haven will not, send you product related or marketing surveys via email.

 
Fraudulent emails that are currently in circulation include:

  • Customer Record Updates:  these mails advise that you will be required to provide Haven with proof of identity and address; otherwise you will be unable to access your accounts from a specified timeframe, or
  • Secure Message: you will be asked to click on a message to view it.

The emails also include a false link to log into your online banking. THESE EMAILS ARE NOT FROM Haven.

What to do if you receive suspicious looking email?
Do not click any links
Do not open any attachments
Do not enter any of your personal details on the fraudulent email or on the fraudulent web site or pop-up.
Forward the email to info@havenmortgages.ie and then delete the email.
Contact our Internet Support team on 0818 565 500. Lines are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

Haven is receiving reports that fraudsters are calling customers trying to persuade them that their computer/laptops are operating slowly. The criminals are attempting to get customers to agree to pay a nominal charge to fix the problems and they then trick them to make a payment for a much higher value.

 
Have you received a call asking any of the following questions?

  • Is your PC operating very slowly?
  • Will you pay a fee to get it fixed?
  • Do you want them to logon remotely to your PC to fix it?

 

Hang up and report the call to our Support team on 0818 565 500. Lines are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

Advance fee fraud or ’The 419 (four-one-nine) fraud’ as it's also known, is a method by which a fraudster attempts to trick you into supplying 'up-front' money to secure your involvement in their specified transaction. There are many variations of this type of fraud.

 
How does Advanced-Fee (419) Fraud work?

  • You would first receive an unsolicited communication (e.g. fax, email, letter or website) concerning an individual, business or government entity wanting to get money out of the country
  • These communications (e.g. websites, letters, emails or faxes) often look very similar to those of a reputable institution
  • The fraudster then contacts you directly offering to transfer money into your bank account in exchange for a small fee
  • If you respond to the initial offer, you may receive ‘official looking’ documents to complete. Typically, you are then asked to provide a blank letterhead and your bank account details, in addition to money to cover the transaction, transfer costs and attorney's fees
  • The fraudster will then quickly move your money to an offshore account and then move on to their next victim.

 

How to recognise Advanced-Fee (419) Fraud letters

  • They generally include requests for ‘up-front’ money to secure your involvement in their transaction. Hence the name: ‘advanced fee fraud'
  • They are generally marked ‘urgent’ or ‘confidential'
  • Often they promise millions of dollars for your help, once the transaction is completed
  • They always have a scheme or reason for contacting you, examples include:
    • An inheritance that is tied-up
    • Diamonds in boxes that they need to get out of the country
    • Millions of dollars in boxes that they need to get out of the country
    • Money ‘frozen’ by government
    • Excess oil or other merchandise

 

Most 419-fraudsters present themselves as individuals such as doctors, lawyers, sons of ex-generals and other important persons, to trick you into thinking they are respectable and trustworthy individuals

  • They are always seeking a foreign ’partner’ to help them
  • They will ask for personal information about you, such as:
    • personal or business letterhead
    • banking information
    • personal telephone number.

 

What should you do if you suspect a 419 scam?
Delete the email. The email, although it may look like it is addressed specifically to you, will have been sent to many people.

The effects of malware can vary widely depending on what it is designed to do.  Some cause little or no damage, while others can be very dangerous and deliberately target customers who bank online. Banking specific malware can gather personal or security information entered on the infected PC/laptop/phone. Such malware can gain access to the device when the user is tricked into opening or running an infected attachment they have received from a seemingly legitimate mail, through an infected file they have downloaded or even by visiting an infected website.

For more information on staying safe online go to: https://www.getsafeonline.org/nca/

Text Message Fraud (SMiShing) is a common technique used by fraudsters in an attempt to obtain personal and security information for the purpose of identity theft or financial gain. The fraudsters send text messages that appear to come from legitimate numbers in an attempt to fool you into supplying your personal details.

Haven do not send you product related or marketing surveys via SMS.

Pop-up windows are the small windows or adverts that can appear suddenly over or under a browser window. Pop-up windows can be used to obtain personal information from an unsuspecting user. Fraudsters can also use fake ads to fool you into visiting a fake website and supplying your personal details.

Please note: Pop-up windows can be legitimately used by some websites/offerings, such as ’Verified by Visa’ and ’MasterCard SecureCode’.