Yamagata Bank in Japan has temporarily suspended immediate interbank transfers through its Net EB corporate internet banking service. This decision follows confirmed incidents of voice phishing (vishing) scams, where fraudsters impersonate the bank. The scammers use automated phone calls to trick victims into believing that their Net EB account details need to be updated immediately. Once victims respond, they are transferred to the fraudsters, who ask for email addresses and send phishing links.
These phishing emails contain fraudulent websites that request victims to enter sensitive company and banking credentials.
Once the information is entered, the fraudsters contact the victims again, instructing them on how to perform token authentication or take other actions. These guided steps ultimately lead to unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ accounts. Yamagata Bank emphasized that it does not use automated calls or request any sensitive information through phone calls, emails, or social media.
To mitigate the impact, the bank has halted interbank transfers and advised customers to visit local branches for same-day transfers. Additionally, Yamagata Bank has set up dedicated customer support channels, including a helpline for affected individuals. The helpline operates during business hours, offering assistance in handling suspicious transactions and potential fraud cases.
Customers are also encouraged to report any unusual activity on their accounts to prevent further financial loss.
The scammers focus specifically on users of the Net EB service, targeting them with fake websites designed to steal login credentials. After obtaining this critical information, the fraudsters use it to guide victims through token authentication processes and initiate unauthorized fund transfers. The bank continues to urge customers to stay vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, emails, or messages asking for private details. By reporting any suspicious incidents promptly, customers can help protect themselves from financial harm caused by these vishing attacks.
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