How do fraudsters target people with fake online banking portals?

Fraudsters create fake online banking portals by setting up websites that look nearly identical to legitimate banking sites. They often use techniques like phishing emails or deceptive links to redirect users to these fake portals, where they capture sensitive information such as login credentials and account details.

To confirm a website’s legitimacy, you can take the following steps:

1. Check the website URL: Ensure the URL is correct and matches the official banking website. Look for misspellings or slight variations that could indicate a fake site.

2. Verify SSL certificate: Legitimate banking websites use HTTPS and have a secure SSL certificate. Look for the padlock icon next to the URL in your browser.

3. Contact the bank directly: If you are unsure about a website’s legitimacy, contact the bank’s official customer service to confirm if the site is legitimate.

4. Avoid clicking on links in emails: Instead of clicking on links from emails, type the bank’s website URL directly into your browser to ensure you are accessing the correct site.

5. Look for signs of legitimacy: Check for trust seals, contact information, privacy policies, and other indicators of a legitimate website.

By being diligent and following these steps, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to fake online banking portals created by fraudsters.