Postbank phishing page detected


Postbank Phishing – Fake Login Page Stealing Postbank ID Credentials

This phishing campaign impersonates Postbank, a leading retail bank in Germany. The page is designed to steal customers’ online banking credentials—specifically the Postbank ID (the primary login identifier). The page mimics the legitimate Postbank login interface to trick victims into entering their credentials.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing email, SMS, or other message claiming a security alert, account issue, or the need to verify their information. The message includes a link to this fake Postbank login page. The page asks for the Postbank ID, which is the first step in the bank’s legitimate authentication process. After the victim enters their Postbank ID, they would likely be taken to a subsequent phishing page requesting their password (and possibly a second factor or PIN).

The goal:
The attacker aims to steal the victim’s Postbank ID and, through a follow-up page, their password and any additional authentication credentials. With these, the attacker can log into the victim’s real Postbank account, view balances, transfer funds, and potentially access other linked financial services.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain that is not postbank.de. The legitimate Postbank online banking domain is postbank.de. Always check the address bar before entering any credentials.
  • Unsolicited login request: Postbank does not send emails or messages with links requiring customers to log in to resolve account issues. Customers should always access online banking by typing the URL directly or using the official app.
  • Generic greeting: The page uses a generic greeting (“Guten Morgen” – Good morning) rather than addressing the customer by name. Legitimate banking portals often personalize the greeting or display a security image after initial identification.
  • Missing security indicators: Legitimate Postbank login pages use HTTPS with valid certificates and display a padlock icon. Phishing pages may lack these indicators or use self-signed certificates.
  • No step for password or second factor: This page only asks for the Postbank ID. The password and second factor would be requested on subsequent pages—a common pattern in phishing kits that first validate the identifier before proceeding.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not enter your Postbank ID or any other credentials on this page.
  • If you are a Postbank customer, always access online banking by typing postbank.de directly into your browser or by using the official Postbank app.
  • If you have already entered your Postbank ID, do not proceed to enter your password or any security codes. Contact Postbank immediately to secure your account.
  • Report the phishing page to Postbank’s fraud department (e.g., by forwarding the original message to [email protected] or using their official reporting channels).

Why this scam is effective:
Postbank has millions of customers in Germany, making it a frequent target for phishing. The page closely mimics the design of the legitimate Postbank login interface, including familiar elements such as the “IT-Umzug” (IT migration) references and security warnings. The inclusion of real-looking footer links (impressum, data protection, etc.) adds to the illusion of legitimacy.

Protective measures:

  • Bookmark the official Postbank login page and use that bookmark to access online banking—never click links in emails or messages.
  • Use a password manager: It will autofill only on legitimate postbank.de domains, not on phishing sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Postbank account if available, to add an extra layer of protection.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message that creates urgency and asks you to log in to your bank account.
  • Check the URL carefully: Legitimate Postbank domains end with postbank.de (e.g., meine.postbank.de). Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains (.com, .xyz, etc.).
  • If in doubt, contact Postbank directly using a phone number from your bank statement or the official website—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.

Banco De Oro phishing page detected


BDO Online Banking Phishing – Credential Harvesting Page

This phishing campaign impersonates BDO Unibank, a major bank in the Philippines. The page is designed to steal customers’ online banking credentials—specifically the User ID and Password used to access BDO’s online banking platform.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing email, SMS, or other message claiming a security alert, account suspension, or the need to verify their information. The message includes a link to this fake BDO login page. The page mimics the real BDO Online Banking interface, including toll-free numbers, footer links, and other elements copied from the legitimate site. When the victim enters their User ID and Password and clicks “Login,” the credentials are captured and sent to the attacker.

The goal:
The attacker aims to steal the victim’s BDO online banking credentials. With these, they can log into the victim’s real bank account, view balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and potentially commit further fraud.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain that is not bdo.com.ph. The legitimate BDO online banking domain is bdo.com.ph. Always check the address bar before entering any credentials.
  • Typographical error: The page contains the phrase “Logn to BDO Online Banking” instead of “Log in.” This type of error is common in phishing pages and is a clear red flag.
  • Generic security message: The page includes a note about browser versions, but legitimate BDO login pages do not typically display such a message prominently on the login form.
  • Unsolicited login request: BDO does not send emails or messages with links requiring customers to log in to resolve account issues. Customers should always access online banking by typing the URL directly or using the official BDO app.
  • No personalization: Legitimate BDO Online Banking often displays a security image or personalized greeting after entering the User ID—this page does not.
  • Copied footer content: While the footer contains real BDO information (toll-free numbers, regulatory disclosures), phishing pages often copy this text to appear credible. The presence of this content does not make the page legitimate.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not enter your User ID, Password, or any other personal information on this page.
  • If you are a BDO customer, always access online banking by typing bdo.com.ph directly into your browser or by using the official BDO mobile app.
  • If you have already entered your credentials, contact BDO immediately through their official customer service hotline to secure your account and change your password.
  • Report the phishing page to BDO’s fraud department (e.g., by forwarding the original message to [email protected]).

Why this scam is effective:
BDO has millions of online banking users in the Philippines, making it a frequent target for phishing. The page closely mimics the design of the legitimate BDO login interface, including familiar elements such as the toll-free numbers, footer links, and the “We find ways” slogan. The inclusion of real-looking customer service details and regulatory disclosures adds to the illusion of legitimacy. The typo “Logn” is one of the few visual red flags—underscoring how carefully users must scrutinize every detail.

Protective measures:

  • Bookmark the official BDO login page and use that bookmark to access online banking—never click links in emails or messages.
  • Use a password manager: It will autofill only on legitimate bdo.com.ph domains, not on phishing sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your BDO account if available, to add an extra layer of protection.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message that creates urgency and asks you to log in to your bank account.
  • Check the URL carefully: Legitimate BDO domains end with bdo.com.ph. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains.
  • If in doubt, contact BDO directly using a phone number from your bank statement or the official website—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.

Shinhan bank phishing pages detected


Shinhan Bank Fake “Registration Reward” Scam (Vietnamese Variant)

This campaign impersonates Shinhan Bank, a legitimate international bank with a significant presence in Vietnam. The scam promotes a fake “ambassador” program offering a cash reward (800,000 VND, approximately 30 USD) for registering an account through a provided link. The goal is to trick victims into downloading a malicious app, entering personal information, or installing malware on their device.

How it works:
The victim encounters this scam via social media ads, SMS, email, or messaging apps (such as Facebook, Zalo, or Telegram). The page claims that by registering for a Shinhan Bank account through the provided links, the user will receive a cash reward.

The fake promotion includes:

  • A promise of 800,000 VND for new account registration
  • Instructions to download an app via Android or iOS buttons
  • Steps that appear to describe a legitimate banking registration process (downloading the app, registering for internet banking, entering phone number and email, receiving OTP, completing eKYC – electronic Know Your Customer verification)

The goal:
The attacker aims to:

  • Trick victims into downloading a fake banking app that may contain malware or steal credentials
  • Capture personal information (phone number, email, ID documents) during the fake registration process
  • Steal one-time passwords (OTP) or other authentication details
  • Potentially gain access to the victim’s actual banking accounts if the victim mistakenly uses real credentials on a fake interface

There is no legitimate reward—the entire promotion is fabricated.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Too good to be true offer: A cash reward of 800,000 VND for simply downloading an app and registering is highly unusual for a legitimate bank. Banks do not typically offer such promotions through unofficial channels with download links.
  • Suspicious download links: The “Tải Android” and “Tải Cho iOS” buttons likely lead to fake apps or phishing pages, not the official Shinhan Bank app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • Unofficial distribution: Legitimate banking apps are distributed exclusively through official app stores (Google Play, App Store). Banks never require users to download apps via third-party links in promotional messages.
  • Domain mismatch: The page is hosted on a domain that is not the official Shinhan Bank Vietnam domain (which is shinhan.com.vn).
  • Generic instructions: The registration steps are described in vague terms. A legitimate bank would direct customers to its official website or app store listing, not provide a step-by-step guide on a promotional page with direct download buttons.
  • Pressure to act: The language encourages immediate action (“còn chờ gì” – “what are you waiting for”) to create urgency.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not click the “Tải Android” or “Tải Cho iOS” buttons.
  • Do not download any app from links provided on this page.
  • Do not enter any personal information, phone numbers, email addresses, or ID documents.
  • If you wish to open an account with Shinhan Bank, visit the official Shinhan Bank Vietnam website (shinhan.com.vn) or go directly to a branch. Only download the official banking app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • If you have already downloaded an app from a suspicious link or entered personal information, contact Shinhan Bank’s official customer service immediately to secure your accounts, and run a security scan on your device.

Why this scam is effective:
Shinhan Bank is a well-known and trusted financial institution in Vietnam. The promise of a cash reward (800,000 VND) is attractive to many individuals. The use of Vietnamese language, the mention of eKYC (a legitimate banking process), and the step-by-step instructions make the offer appear authentic. Scammers often use such “registration reward” campaigns to distribute malware or harvest personal data for identity theft.

Protective measures:

  • Always download banking apps exclusively from official app stores (Google Play, App Store) and verify the developer name matches the official bank.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message offering cash rewards for downloading apps or registering accounts.
  • Verify promotions by visiting the bank’s official website or contacting customer service through official channels—never use contact information provided in the suspicious message.
  • Never enter personal information or banking credentials on pages reached via unsolicited links.
  • Report suspicious promotions to the bank being impersonated and to local authorities.

First National Bank (FNB) phishing page detected


FNB Online Banking Phishing – Credential Harvesting Page

This phishing campaign impersonates FNB (First National Bank) , a major bank in South Africa. The page is designed to steal customers’ online banking credentials—specifically the Username and Password used to access FNB’s online banking platform.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing email, SMS, or other message claiming a security alert, account issue, or the need to verify their information. The message includes a link to this fake FNB login page. When the victim enters their Username and Password and clicks “Login,” the credentials are captured and sent to the attacker.

The goal:
The attacker aims to steal the victim’s FNB online banking credentials. With these, they can log into the victim’s real bank account, view balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and potentially commit further fraud.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain that is not fnb.co.za or fnb.com. The legitimate FNB online banking domain is fnb.co.za. Always check the address bar before entering any credentials.
  • Extremely minimal design: The legitimate FNB login page includes additional security elements such as a security image, personalized greeting, or step-by-step authentication flow. This page is bare and lacks those features.
  • Generic branding: The page uses a basic FNB logo but lacks the full branding, navigation menus, and security indicators present on the real FNB site.
  • No security messaging: Legitimate FNB login pages display security tips, fraud warnings, and links to report suspicious activity. This page has none.
  • Outdated copyright notice: The footer shows “Copyright © 2020” while the legitimate site would display the current year. This is a common oversight in phishing pages.
  • Unsolicited login request: FNB does not send emails or messages with links requiring customers to log in to resolve account issues. Customers should always access online banking by typing the URL directly or using the official FNB app.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not enter your Username, Password, or any other personal information on this page.
  • If you are an FNB customer, always access online banking by typing fnb.co.za directly into your browser or by using the official FNB app.
  • If you have already entered your credentials, contact FNB immediately through their official customer service hotline to secure your account and change your password.
  • Report the phishing page to FNB’s fraud department (e.g., by forwarding the original message to [email protected] or using their official reporting channels).

Why this scam is effective:
FNB is one of South Africa’s largest banks, with millions of digital banking users. The simple, clean design of the page mimics the real FNB login interface enough to deceive users who are not paying close attention to the URL. The use of the FNB logo and the familiar “how can we help you?” tagline adds to the illusion. Many phishing pages rely on the fact that users often glance at the logo and layout rather than scrutinizing the address bar.

Protective measures:

  • Bookmark the official FNB login page and use that bookmark to access online banking—never click links in emails or messages.
  • Use a password manager: It will autofill only on legitimate fnb.co.za domains, not on phishing sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your FNB account if available, to add an extra layer of protection.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message that creates urgency and asks you to log in to your bank account.
  • Check the URL carefully: Legitimate FNB domains end with fnb.co.za. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains.
  • If in doubt, contact FNB directly using a phone number from your bank statement or the official website—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.

M&T Bank phishing page revealed


M&T Bank Online Banking Phishing – Credential Harvesting Page

This phishing campaign impersonates M&T Bank, a well-known bank in the United States, particularly active in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The page is designed to steal customers’ online banking credentials—specifically the User ID and Passcode (password) used to access M&T Bank’s online banking platform.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing email, SMS, or other message claiming a security alert, account suspension, or the need to verify their information. The message includes a link to this fake M&T Bank login page. The page mimics the real M&T Bank online banking interface, including familiar footer links. When the victim enters their User ID and Passcode and clicks “Log In,” the credentials are captured and sent to the attacker.

The goal:
The attacker aims to steal the victim’s M&T Bank online banking credentials. With these, they can log into the victim’s real bank account, view balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and potentially commit further fraud.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain that is not mtb.com. The legitimate M&T Bank online banking domain is mtb.com. Always check the address bar before entering any credentials.
  • Outdated copyright notice: The footer shows “©2022 MAT Bank” (with a typo: “MAT” instead of “M&T”) and an incorrect year. Legitimate pages display the current year and correct branding.
  • Typographical error: The bank name is misspelled as “MAT Bank” in the copyright line—a clear indicator of a fake page.
  • Unsolicited login request: M&T Bank does not send emails or messages with links requiring customers to log in to resolve account issues. Customers should always access online banking by typing the URL directly or using the official app.
  • No personalization or security image: Legitimate M&T Bank login pages often display a security image or phrase after entering a User ID. This page lacks that additional security layer.
  • Generic footer: While the footer contains links similar to the real M&T Bank site, the presence of these links does not make the page legitimate—attackers copy them from the real website.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not enter your User ID, Passcode, or any other personal information on this page.
  • If you are an M&T Bank customer, always access online banking by typing mtb.com directly into your browser or by using the official M&T Bank mobile app.
  • If you have already entered your credentials, contact M&T Bank immediately through their official customer service hotline to secure your account and change your password.
  • Report the phishing page to M&T Bank’s fraud department (e.g., by forwarding the original message to [email protected] or using their official reporting channels).

Why this scam is effective:
M&T Bank has millions of customers across the United States. The page closely mimics the design of the legitimate M&T Bank login interface, including the familiar header, form layout, and footer links. The typo in the copyright line (“MAT Bank”) is one of the few visual red flags—underscoring how carefully users must scrutinize every detail. Many users glance at the logo and layout without checking the URL or noticing small text errors.

Protective measures:

  • Bookmark the official M&T Bank login page and use that bookmark to access online banking—never click links in emails or messages.
  • Use a password manager: It will autofill only on legitimate mtb.com domains, not on phishing sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your M&T Bank account if available, to add an extra layer of protection.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message that creates urgency and asks you to log in to your bank account.
  • Check the URL carefully: Legitimate M&T Bank domains end with mtb.com. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains.
  • If in doubt, contact M&T Bank directly using a phone number from your bank statement or the official website—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.

Bank of America phishing page revealed


Bank of America Phishing – Fake “Preventive Unlock” Scam (Spanish Variant)

This phishing campaign impersonates Bank of America (BoA) , one of the largest banks in the United States, and targets Spanish-speaking customers. The page uses a fake security alert—claiming the account requires a “preventive unlock”—to create urgency and direct victims to a credential harvesting page.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing email, SMS, or other message in Spanish claiming that their Bank of America account has been locked or requires verification. The message includes a link to this page. The page presents a message stating that the user must click a button to proceed with an “unlock” process. Clicking the button leads to a fake Bank of America login page (not shown in this screenshot) where the victim is asked to enter their online banking credentials.

The goal:
The attacker aims to steal the victim’s Bank of America online banking credentials (User ID and password). With these, they can log into the victim’s real bank account, view balances, transfer funds, and commit fraud.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain that is not bankofamerica.com. Always check the address bar before interacting with any page claiming to be from your bank.
  • Poor Spanish grammar: The text contains awkward phrasing and grammatical errors that would not appear in official Bank of America communications. Legitimate bank communications are professionally written and localized.
  • Vague and irrelevant content: The page includes unrelated text about “the company” carrying out deposits in the United States, a description of a “BoA” building in Buenos Aires (Argentina), and information about Zelle. This content is copied from various sources and is not cohesive—a clear sign of a hastily assembled phishing page.
  • Generic redirect message: The page claims to be “redirecting” but presents a button to click. Legitimate banking websites do not use such redirect pages with manual confirmation buttons for account unlocks.
  • Unsolicited account action request: Bank of America does not send messages with links requiring customers to click a button to “unlock” their account. Customers should always access their accounts by typing the official URL directly or using the official app.
  • Mixed geographic references: The page mentions the United States (deposits) and Buenos Aires (Argentina) in the same context, which is inconsistent for a US-based bank targeting customers.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not click the button to “Confirm” or proceed with any unlock process.
  • Do not enter any personal information, User ID, or password on any subsequent pages.
  • If you are a Bank of America customer, always access online banking by typing bankofamerica.com directly into your browser or by using the official Bank of America mobile app.
  • If you have already entered your credentials, contact Bank of America immediately through their official customer service number to secure your account and change your password.
  • Report the phishing page to Bank of America’s fraud department (e.g., by forwarding the original message to [email protected]).

Why this scam is effective:
Bank of America has a large Spanish-speaking customer base in the United States. The use of Spanish language and the “preventive unlock” pretext (which implies a security measure) can cause concern and prompt quick action. The inclusion of familiar terms like Zelle adds a veneer of legitimacy. Victims who are not carefully checking the URL may click the button and proceed to enter their credentials on the following fake login page.

Protective measures:

  • Bookmark the official Bank of America login page and use that bookmark to access online banking—never click links in emails or messages.
  • Use a password manager: It will autofill only on legitimate bankofamerica.com domains, not on phishing sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Bank of America account to add an extra layer of protection.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message that creates urgency and asks you to click a button to unlock or verify your account.
  • Check the URL carefully: Legitimate Bank of America domains end with bankofamerica.com. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains.
  • If in doubt, contact Bank of America directly using a phone number from your bank statement or the official website—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.
  • Be aware of language quality: Legitimate bank communications are professionally written. Grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or irrelevant content are strong indicators of a scam.

FNB (FirstRand Bank Limited) phishing page detected


FNB Online Banking Phishing – Credential Harvesting Page

This phishing campaign impersonates FNB (First National Bank) , a major bank in South Africa. The page is designed to steal customers’ online banking credentials—specifically the Username and Password used to access FNB’s online banking platform.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing email, SMS, or other message claiming a security alert, account issue, or the need to verify their information. The message includes a link to this fake FNB login page. When the victim enters their Username and Password and clicks “Login,” the credentials are captured and sent to the attacker.

The goal:
The attacker aims to steal the victim’s FNB online banking credentials. With these, they can log into the victim’s real bank account, view balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and potentially commit further fraud.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain that is not fnb.co.za or fnb.com. The legitimate FNB online banking domain is fnb.co.za. Always check the address bar before entering any credentials.
  • Extremely minimal design: The legitimate FNB login page includes additional security elements such as a security image, personalized greeting, or step-by-step authentication flow. This page is bare and lacks those features.
  • Generic branding: The page uses a basic FNB logo but lacks the full branding, navigation menus, and security indicators present on the real FNB site.
  • No security messaging: Legitimate FNB login pages display security tips, fraud warnings, and links to report suspicious activity. This page has none.
  • Unsolicited login request: FNB does not send emails or messages with links requiring customers to log in to resolve account issues. Customers should always access online banking by typing the URL directly or using the official FNB app.
  • Copyright notice: While the copyright year (2023) matches the screenshot’s timeframe, the presence of a copyright line does not guarantee legitimacy—attackers copy these details from real sites.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not enter your Username, Password, or any other personal information on this page.
  • If you are an FNB customer, always access online banking by typing fnb.co.za directly into your browser or by using the official FNB app.
  • If you have already entered your credentials, contact FNB immediately through their official customer service hotline to secure your account and change your password.
  • Report the phishing page to FNB’s fraud department (e.g., by forwarding the original message to [email protected] or using their official reporting channels).

Why this scam is effective:
FNB is one of South Africa’s largest banks, with millions of digital banking users. The simple, clean design of the page mimics the real FNB login interface enough to deceive users who are not paying close attention to the URL. The use of the FNB logo and the familiar “how can we help you?” tagline adds to the illusion. Many phishing pages rely on the fact that users often glance at the logo and layout rather than scrutinizing the address bar.

Protective measures:

  • Bookmark the official FNB login page and use that bookmark to access online banking—never click links in emails or messages.
  • Use a password manager: It will autofill only on legitimate fnb.co.za domains, not on phishing sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your FNB account if available, to add an extra layer of protection.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message that creates urgency and asks you to log in to your bank account.
  • Check the URL carefully: Legitimate FNB domains end with fnb.co.za. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains.
  • If in doubt, contact FNB directly using a phone number from your bank statement or the official website—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.

South African Social Security Agency phishing page detected


SASSA Phishing – Fake Verification Page Stealing Personal Information

This phishing campaign impersonates SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) , which manages social grants (including the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant) for millions of South Africans. The page is designed to steal recipients’ personal information—specifically their ID Number and Phone Number—which can be used for identity theft, grant fraud, or to gain access to banking details.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing SMS, WhatsApp message, or social media link claiming that their SASSA grant is ready for collection, requires verification, or that they need to update their details to receive payment. The message includes a link to this fake SASSA page. The victim is asked to enter their ID Number and Phone Number, with the likely promise of confirming grant status, unlocking funds, or completing a registration.

The goal:
The attacker aims to collect:

  • South African ID numbers (a critical piece of personal identification)
  • Phone numbers (used for SMS-based two-factor authentication and SIM swapping)

With this information, the attacker can:

  • Fraudulently claim or redirect social grants
  • Attempt SIM swapping to take over mobile numbers and gain access to banking accounts
  • Commit identity theft or sell the data to other criminals
  • Use the information for further phishing attacks

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain (gigamestudios.com) that is not sassa.gov.za or any official SASSA domain. Legitimate SASSA services are accessed through sassa.gov.za or the official SASSA mobile app.
  • Extremely minimal design: The page lacks official SASSA branding, security notices, and navigation elements present on the real SASSA website. It is a simple form with only two fields.
  • No personalization or verification: The page does not ask for a reference number, grant type, or any identifier that would link to a legitimate SASSA record.
  • Unsolicited request for personal information: SASSA does not send SMS or WhatsApp messages with links requiring recipients to enter their ID and phone number to “unlock” or “verify” grants. Official communications direct recipients to the official website or app, and they do not ask for such information via external links.
  • Generic form: The page only collects ID and phone number—no additional context about why this information is needed or what grant it pertains to.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not enter your ID Number, Phone Number, or any other personal information on this page.
  • If you are a SASSA grant recipient, always access your grant information by typing sassa.gov.za directly into your browser, using the official SASSA mobile app, or visiting a SASSA office in person.
  • If you have already entered your ID and phone number, contact SASSA’s fraud hotline immediately to report potential compromise and monitor your grant status for unauthorized changes.
  • Report the phishing page to SASSA’s fraud department and to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS).

Why this scam is effective:
SASSA grants are a lifeline for millions of vulnerable South Africans. Scammers prey on beneficiaries who may be less familiar with digital security practices. The promise of grant payments or the threat of losing benefits creates urgency. The simple form—asking only for ID and phone number—seems innocuous, but these two pieces of information are the keys to committing grant fraud and identity theft.

Protective measures:

  • Always verify SASSA-related messages by logging into your official SASSA account through the official website (sassa.gov.za) or app—never through links in SMS or WhatsApp messages.
  • SASSA will never ask you to click a link to “unlock” or “verify” your grant via SMS. Official communications come via secure channels and do not request sensitive information through external forms.
  • Never share your ID number or personal details in response to an unsolicited message.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your banking and mobile accounts to reduce the risk of SIM swapping.
  • Be aware of common grant scams: if a message promises payment or threatens loss of benefits unless you click a link and provide personal details, it is almost certainly a scam.

ING Home’Bank (Romania) phishing page revealed


ING Bank Phishing – Fake Home’Bank Login Page (Romanian Variant)

This phishing campaign impersonates ING Bank, a major European financial institution with a large customer base in Romania. The page mimics ING’s Home’Bank online banking interface to steal customers’ login credentials.

How it works:
The victim receives a phishing email, SMS, or other message claiming a security alert, account issue, or the need to verify their information. The message includes a link to this fake ING login page. The page asks for the victim’s User Code and Password/Digipass credentials. When the victim enters this information and clicks “Login,” the credentials are captured and sent to the attacker.

The goal:
The attacker aims to steal the victim’s ING online banking credentials. With these, they can log into the victim’s real bank account, view balances, transfer funds, and commit fraud. The mention of “Digipass” (a two-factor authentication device used by ING) indicates that the attacker is also targeting the second factor, either through this page or a follow-up page.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Suspicious URL: The page is hosted on a domain that is not ing.ro or any official ING domain. Legitimate ING Home’Bank login pages are accessed through ing.ro or the official mobile app. Always check the address bar.
  • Unsolicited login request: ING does not send emails or messages with links requiring customers to log in to resolve account issues. Customers should always access online banking by typing the URL directly or using the official app.
  • Generic design with copied elements: The page includes legitimate-sounding text about activating Home’Bank and downloading the app from official stores, but these elements are copied from the real ING website to lend credibility. Their presence does not make the page legitimate.
  • No personalization: Legitimate ING login pages may display a security image or personalized greeting after entering the user code. This page lacks such features.
  • Missing security indicators: The page does not display the expected security badges, SSL certificate details, or the lock icon in the address bar (though users should verify the URL itself, not just icons).

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not enter your User Code, Password, Digipass information, or any other personal details on this page.
  • If you are an ING customer, always access online banking by typing ing.ro directly into your browser or by using the official ING Home’Bank mobile app.
  • If you have already entered your credentials, contact ING immediately through their official customer service hotline to secure your account and change your password.
  • Report the phishing page to ING’s fraud department (e.g., by forwarding the original message to [email protected] or using their official reporting channels).

Why this scam is effective:
ING is one of the most popular banks in Romania, with a large number of online banking users. The page closely mimics the design and language of the legitimate ING Home’Bank interface, including familiar phrases about activating the service and downloading the app from official stores. The inclusion of the “Digipass” reference adds to the illusion of authenticity. Romanian-speaking users who are accustomed to ING’s online banking layout may not immediately notice that the URL is incorrect.

Protective measures:

  • Bookmark the official ING Home’Bank login page and use that bookmark to access online banking—never click links in emails or messages.
  • Use a password manager: It will autofill only on legitimate ing.ro domains, not on phishing sites.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) through the Digipass or the ING mobile app, and be cautious if a page asks for your Digipass code outside of the normal login flow.
  • Be suspicious of any unsolicited message that creates urgency and asks you to log in to your bank account.
  • Check the URL carefully: Legitimate ING Romania domains end with ing.ro. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains.
  • If in doubt, contact ING directly using a phone number from your bank statement or the official website—never use contact information provided in a suspicious message.

Fake police document detected


Threat Analysis: Fake Gendarmerie Nationale “Pedophilia Investigation” Sextortion Scam

This campaign impersonates the French National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie nationale) and falsely claims the victim is under judicial investigation for serious offenses (pedophilia, cyber-pornography, etc.). The goal is to extort money, personal information, or both by creating extreme fear of arrest, imprisonment, and public exposure.

How it works:
The victim receives an email containing these documents. The email and the attached pages are designed to look like official legal documents from the French Gendarmerie and Europol. The scam includes:

  • A fake case number and reference to legal codes to appear authentic
  • A list of fabricated charges
  • A threat of 5–10 years imprisonment and fines up to €76,000
  • A 72-hour deadline to respond
  • A demand to send “justifications” (explanations) to a private Gmail address
  • A threat to publish the victim’s information to family and media if they do not comply

The goal:
The attacker aims to:

  • Extract money from the victim (by demanding payment of a “fine” or “settlement” to avoid prosecution)
  • Obtain personal information (identity documents, photos, or other sensitive data) that can be used for further blackmail or identity theft
  • Cause the victim to engage in a panic-driven communication that leads to further exploitation

There is no actual investigation—the entire document is fabricated.

Red flags to watch for:

  • Generic email contact: The provided contact address is a free Gmail account ([email protected]). Legitimate French law enforcement agencies use official @gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr or similar government domains—never Gmail.
  • Threats of public exposure: Official legal proceedings do not threaten to publish personal information to the media or family. Such threats are a hallmark of extortion scams.
  • Unprofessional formatting: The document contains inconsistent formatting, generic language, and minor stylistic errors that would not appear in official legal correspondence from a national law enforcement agency.
  • 72-hour ultimatum: Artificial urgency is a classic scam tactic to prevent the victim from calm thinking and seeking legitimate advice.
  • Vague legal references: While the document cites articles of French law, the way they are presented is generic and lacks the precision of a real legal summons or warrant.
  • No official seal or verifiable reference number: The document lacks an official case number that could be verified with the actual Gendarmerie.
  • Unsolicited contact: Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not initiate serious criminal investigations via email with demands to respond to a Gmail address.

What to do if you encounter this:

  • Do not reply to the email or contact the provided Gmail address.
  • Do not send any money, personal information, or “justifications.”
  • Do not click any links or download any attachments from such messages.
  • If you are concerned that the email might be legitimate (which it is not), contact the actual French Gendarmerie through their official website or by visiting a local police station—never use the contact details provided in the suspicious message.
  • Report the scam to the official anti-fraud platform in your country (e.g., in France, use internet-signalement.gouv.fr).

Why this scam is effective:
This type of “law enforcement” scare scam preys on fear and shame. The serious charges (pedophilia, cyber-pornography) are designed to cause extreme distress and panic. Victims may feel too embarrassed to seek help and may pay the demanded “fine” or provide personal information in an attempt to make the situation “go away.” The use of official-sounding legal language, French government references, and the Europol collaboration adds a layer of false credibility.

Protective measures:

  • Legitimate law enforcement agencies never contact individuals via email with demands to respond to a private email address to avoid criminal prosecution.
  • Never respond to unsolicited threats of legal action received by email, especially those demanding payment or personal information.
  • If you receive such an email, do not engage. Forward it to your national anti-fraud or cybercrime reporting center and delete it.
  • Be aware of sextortion scams: Scammers often use fake legal documents to frighten victims into paying money. No legitimate legal process involves threatening to “publish” your information to family and media.
  • If you are genuinely concerned, contact a lawyer or visit a local police station with the email—do not use the contact details provided in the scam message.

This type of scam is particularly cruel because it exploits fear of legal consequences and public humiliation. Victims who are vulnerable or have genuine privacy concerns may be especially susceptible.