In a new fraud attempt, scammers are trying to appear authentic with the name and logo of the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB): in a recent email scam, criminals are trying to persuade individuals to download an „MNB-supported” virus management program, the MNB said in a statement on Monday, stressing that the central bank does not create or support virus management programs for either retail or corporate customers.
The Magyar Nemzeti Bank has been informed that unknown persons are sending an email to Hungarian individuals with a pdf attachment informing them that downloading a virus management program supported by the „National Bank of Hungary” can protect their computers and mobile phones and help them secure their assets. In order to gain more credibility and the trust of unsuspecting customers, fraudsters also use the name of the central bank, its logo and the coat of arms of Hungary. A link to download the fake anti-virus software is also sent, which requires to enter personal and bank details. By entering sensitive data into the downloaded program, the customer is essentially giving the criminals control of his account.
„This program is not an antivirus, your money will not be safe, and if you are careless, criminals can get your savings,” they wrote. They also stressed that the central bank does not correspond directly with retail or corporate customers, nor does it create or promote an antivirus program, nor does it mandate or advertise such a program on their behalf, by offering an antivirus or any other business solution.
The MNB asks all bank customers to exercise caution, not to install any software in response to an email request and to download only verified applications to their devices.
Citizens who have been approached or defrauded in this way should contact the police.
