FNB Namibia Urges Customers to Remain Vigilant This Festive Season

As we enter the festive season, FNB Namibia has noted with grave concern the rise in fraudulent activities.

At FNB Namibia, the integrity and security of our clients’ information is of paramount importance to us, as is customer trust and we are dedicated to helping stop fraud before it starts.

The festive season is usually when fraudsters are most active, preying on and taking advantage of customers who are often more relaxed and less vigilant.

This rise in criminal activity is usually targeted at the elderly. We are, however, seeing an increasing number of individuals across all age groups falling victim to these elaborate scams.

While our systems are robust and designed to detect and mitigate any potential threats, we would like to urge all our customers to remain vigilant, especially during the festive season when fraudsters are most active.

All FNB customers are encouraged to avoid sharing personal or banking information with anyone.

Should you suspect any fraudulent activity, stop and report it as soon as possible through one of the following channels:

1. FNB Customer Contact Centre: 061 299 2222 or 081 953 6262,
2. Relationship manager: For private clients,
3. FNB Fraud Desk: 061 299 2999 (after hours) | Customers are urged to look out for the following scams and verify the authenticity of any such activity through our official channels before taking additional action:
4. Unknown callers claiming to represent FNB: When in doubt, stop, hang up, and contact our Customer Contact Centre.
5. Fake competition wins: Someone claiming you have won a competition you have not entered.
6. Promises of large sums of money: SMSes or calls offering you large unrealistic sums of money.
7. Urgent requests for personal information: SMSes or calls asking for sensitive personal or financial details.
8. False refund claims or requests: Someone claiming to have falsely made payments to your account and requesting a refund.
9. Fake social media accounts: Be wary of messages or requests from unverified social media accounts.

FNB Namibia’s official social media accounts are verified on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, X/Twitter and TikTok.

Remember, FNB will never ask you for:

1. Your One Time Pin (OTP)
2. Your card number or CVV number
3. Your cellphone banking, online banking, card or eWallet pin
4. Your username
5. Your password

Tips to protect yourself:

1. Protect your phone with a password: Prevent unauthorised access to your devices in the event your phone is lost or stolen.

This includes protecting your eWallet, cellphone banking and FNB App with a unique pin or password.

2. Be vigilant with your belongings: Keep your bank and personal information secure. If they are stolen, call the bank immediately and we will assist in blocking your cards.
3. Use your FNB App: Should you notice suspicious activity, use your FNB App to temporarily block your account while the issue is being investigated.
4. Avoid sharing sensitive information: Never share your personal, account, or banking information with anyone.
5. Trust your instincts: If something feels suspicious, stop and evaluate whether it is legitimate or not.
6. Avoid clicking on unverified links: Do not click unnecessary links or enter your details on fraudulent websites.

FNB Namibia is committed to working hand in hand with our customers to ensure their financial well-being.

• Raseuatjo Tjirimuje is FNB Namibia operational risk head.