Refrain from clicking on hyperlinks if you receive a text message as shown in the image below. Should you receive messages stating that your account requires updating or that you must update it to adhere to new FICA regulations to prevent account closure, it is crucial to disregard them or reach out to the bank directly, as it may be legitimate. Please know that the bank would not utilize a shortened URL or ask for your card and online information.
The SMS text may arrive in various formats; please refer to the samples below.
To comply with new FICA requirement and to avoid Account Closure, update your Online Banking. Tap-> https://c9d4.xyz/…. to update Now Standard Bank.
The text came from a number: +27748964646
OR
To comply with 2025 FICA requirement and to avoid Account Closure, Simply update your Account. Visit-> https://pnt4.xyz/… to update Now Standard Bank
The text messages were sent to my real bank’s phone number, and I also have other phones. I am contemplating whether the bank needs to monitor their staff more closely.
The bank would never use a URL shortener or another website to send me messages or ask for an update to be completed. Curiosity got the better of me, so I clicked on the link to see how they operate. From the shortened URL, it expanded to another website. However, I quickly reported the URL to the domain and hosting provider to protect others from falling victim to this scam.
It’s written that people suffer due to a lack of knowledge. It is important not to click on everything you see online just because you are bored, anxious, etc.; think and reflect. Some things you do online or click on could result in significant losses.
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