FNB warn customers against eWallet scammers
First National Bank introduced eWallet services as a solution to offer convenience to customers through instant transfers of money, but criminals have turned the service into an opportunity to defraud people of their money.
Through eWallet, a customer is able to send money, directly to a mobile number which is then collected from any FNB ATM, POS machines and Cash Plus Agents across the country. “The service was designed to add value for our customers to enable them to effortlessly send and receive money. It is especially useful for recipients who do not have a bank account but need to receive money safely,” FNB explains in a statement.
Speaking to Voice Money, FNB Botswana Communications and Public Relations Manager Boga Chilinde-Masebu said they were aware that there are criminals who attempt to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by sending them fake eWallet messages.
She said they would then call to tell them they mistakenly sent them the money, and that the victim should send the money back immediately. She said the perpetrators usually have a story of how the money is needed for something urgent such as school fees or death in the family.
“The reality though, is that there would be no money sent and this is a scam. As a bank, we continuously educate our customers on fraud detection and prevention and we urge them to be vigilant as scammers will always try to come up with ways to defraud them of their hard-earned money.
We would like to advise members of the public that we have different short codes for different mobile subscribers that we use to transmit eWallet messages. Our short codes are: +13622 or +1362 for Mascom, +14321 for Orange and +26773 or 3622 for BTC.
She advised Customers that should they receive a suspicious eWallet message, they should confirm with the Bank by calling toll-free number 0800 302 302 before taking any action or check their eWallet balance by dialling *130*392# or *103*392# if they don’t have airtime.
Masebu said they have also introduced eWallet reversal where the sender can reverse eWallet if they sent it to the wrong number by mistake. To reverse eWallet customers can dial the short code *130*321# go to Send Money and follow the prompts.