CBS warns public about latest scams being carried out through Viber and Whatsapp |06 February 2020
The Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) is once again cautioning the public about entering into communication with people on social media, particularly with individuals unknown to them, now that a new series of scam using the CBS name has emerged.
Several people have reported receiving calls and text messages from the number +248 4282000, which is the CBS phone number, via Viber and Whatsapp – two messaging and calling applications.
In the messages claimed to come from CBS, the targetted individuals were told that they had either won a cash prize or referred to a transaction on their account in euro, asking them to follow instructions from an agent.
It is not known how many people have received such messages, which also asked for personal information such as bank account details.
The use of the CBS number is an example of ‘spoofing’, where fraudsters can falsely display an entity’s telephone number to contact its targetted victims, making it seem as if the call or text messages originate from a known and trusted source. Spoofing can also apply to emails, websites, or can be more technical, such as spoofing an IP address.
The CBS is concerned with the increasing number of scams purporting to be communication from the institution, as well as from the Governor.
The public is being advised to be vigilant and refrain from responding to such messages, to avoid falling prey to such criminal acts.
The public is also being encouraged to continue informing CBS of such incidents so that the information can be shared with other relevant agencies.
This can be done on the CBS number 4282000 during working hours and hotline number 2510025, after working hours.
Members of the public are once again reminded that neither the CBS nor the Governor is in the business of contacting people asking for personal details in return for prize money or to assist individuals or businesses with the implementation of their projects.
Central Bank of Seychelles communiqué