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Personal Security Awareness on How to Avoid and Prevent Phishing Scams

I. Introduction

Throughout twenty-first century, Cyber Fraud has rapidly evolved as new technologies emerge. It has a significant impact on each and every sector, causing the loss of ones' assets and confidential data. It generally comes out in various forms conducted by anonymous fraudsters. Cyber fraud, Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing have been seen more often as these are the convenient tricks used to steal data related to bank accounts and some sensitive information. As Cyber Fraud is rising, we all have to be well aware of this and even prevent ourselves from falling into a victim. The following information will discuss on how we can identify its characteristics, mitigate the risks and even prevent ourselves from such scenarios.

II. What is Phishing?

Phishing is the fraudulent approach aiming at luring any individuals into revealing their sensitive information, such as passwords, PIN, account details, and other confidential information, so that the fraudster can utilize the provided information for the sake of their benefits.

Commonly, phishing techniques can be seen in various forms within popular communication platforms, including Email (Phishing), SMS (Smishing), and Voice (Vishing).

III. Common Signs of Phishing

	Suspicious email Do not respond to any suspicious emails that convince you to click on unknown link, attachment files from a sender you don't recognize. Do not provide personal information, such as account details, card number, username, password or OTP number etc. as the bank will never ask for your personal information via email request.
	Unexpected email Email comes out of nowhere with the unstructured format, convincing content, grammatical and spelling error, suspicious attachments, inconsistencies in email addresses, domain names and links etc.
	Emergency request If you receive an urgent request your personal information, to unlock your account, verify your identity, or confirm account details, don’t click any links or respond.
	Unknown phone call If you receive a request by phone for your online banking password, OTP number, or other personal information, do not respond.
	Abnormal language If you recognize any spelling or grammar mistakes, unusual formatting, such as ID number or punctuation like exclamation points in the message, do not response.

IV. Example Phishing Scam format to avoid

◉ MAIL Suspicious

1. The email address of the sender is ...@acledab.com.cam which include is non-ACLEDA Bank's Domain. ACLEDA Bank Plc. has only one domain name which is ...@acledabank.com.kh
2. Attached files in the mail are suspicious and not safe to click on and view any content due to it is from an unrecognized sender.
3. Suspicious URL: The email contains a link that appears to be legitimate but leads to a fraudulent website. It would help if you previewed a URL before clicking on it. If you're using a computer, hover over the link with your mouse, and the URL will show in the bottom left of your browser window. On an iPhone®, you can tap and hold the link and the URL will appear in a pop-up box. Caution: URLs beginning with "https" can also be used for phishing.

◉ SMS Suspicious

1. This SMS was sent from an unknown NXSMS/Phone Number, instead of ACLEDA Bank Plc. official and the correct message sender from ACLEDA Bank is ACLEDA
2. The text message contains an unexpected request "to verify again to protect your rights" or "please re-verify the account with 24 hours" which this kind of message is the scamming text.
3. The SMS includes a link to a non-ACLEDA Bank Plc. website, which could be a scam. ACLEDA Bank has only one website which is: https://www.acledabank.com.kh

◉ VOICE Suspicious

1. If you receive the phone call from unknow caller, and request your online banking password, OTP number, or other personal information, do not respond.
2. ACLEDA Bank's phone number: +855 (0)23 994 444, +855 (0)15 999 233

V. Security Tips

Kindly be informed that under any circumstance, ACLEDA Bank Plc., will never request your sensitive information such as passwords, OTP, PIN, account details, card information, and others confidential information via phone call, SMS, or e-mail.

VI. How to Report Phishing?

If you happen to receive either email, message, or call from the anonymous in any way as mentioned throughout this article, please kindly contact us via: inquiry@acledabank.com.kh or +855 (0)23 994 444, +855 (0)15 999 233.