20 August 2020
Absa was informed by Experian of a data breach within the Credit Bureau. Absa is engaging all our impacted customers.
Experian is one of South Africa’s largest Credit Bureaus. Financial institutions use Bureau information to assess clients’ credit status and debt commitments when applying for credit. When credit applications are made, clients consent that their information will be shared in a secure manner with Credit Bureaus. These processes are regulated by law.
Absa takes the protection of your personal information extremely seriously and we have engaged with Experian to better understand what occurred and the steps they have taken to mitigate the impact.
We have put the necessary precautionary measures in place to protect our customers. To this end, we have heightened the monitoring of your portfolio and will engage you should we detect any suspicious activity. We urge you to contact us immediately on our Fraud Hotline (0860 557 557) should you notice any suspicious behavior or if in doubt.
Criminals will approach unsuspecting consumers via email, phone or text message and present themselves as members of a reputable organisation. They will attempt to deceive unsuspecting consumers into disclosing their “keys to the safe” (online PIN, online passwords, card PIN, card CVV number, OTP, and/or authentication messages - RVN/TVN/SureCheck). Never share these details with anyone and report suspicious behaviour immediately.
Fraudsters might also try to influence consumers’ rational thinking by causing excitement, distress and urgency. The table below reflects the possible threats and how consumers must respond to the threat:
Possible Threats |
Response |
It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity |
If it’s too good to be true it probably is. Do not participate |
It is urgent and requires swift action |
Pause and think before you respond. Consult a trusted party |
Out of the blue contact to offer you opportunities you have not asked for |
Always question surprise calls from unknown parties |
You have to download software or material |
Never download software or material on instruction |
It requires you to provide “keys to the safe” (logon credentials, card details, etc) |
Never share your “keys to the safe” (logon credentials, card details, etc) with anyone |
It requires your electronic approval (online approval or OTP) |
Never approve anything unless you’re transacting |
It requires advanced payments/deposits |
Do not make advanced payment/deposits to strangers |
It cannot be validated by a 3rd party |
Using your trusted browser, search for the relevant institution and add the words scams/schemes and search |
Customers can also register for protective registration with the South African Fraud Prevention Services when fraudsters attempt to use customer identities with other financial institutions to apply for financial protects. Visit the SAFPS website, select “OUR SERVICES/Protective Registration”.
