Scammers in such schemes use a well-known mechanism – first they try to create anxiety and a sense of urgency, and then encourage the person to take action without thinking. The email contains a link or button that, when clicked, opens a page mimicking the bank’s website. Entering the requested data there may result in it falling into the hands of scammers.
Read more Put this spice in the fridge for an hour: the result will pleasantly surprise you
“Scammers increasingly exploit not technological vulnerabilities, but human reaction. They create a situation where it seems necessary to act here and now – to update consent, confirm data, or log in to online banking. It is precisely at such moments that it is most important to stop and check whether the request really came from the bank, and if suspicious – contact the bank to verify. A few extra seconds can protect against very painful consequences,” says Dr. Dalia Kolmatsui, Head of Private Client Services at Artea Bank.
The bank does not send login links
Artea reminds that the bank never sends links asking to log in to online banking or enter login details without prior agreement.
Therefore, if you receive an unexpected email asking you to click a link, update information, confirm consent, or perform another action, it is recommended not to rush and first verify who the real sender of the email is.
One of the first signs to pay attention to is the sender’s email address. Scammers can create addresses that visually resemble official bank addresses but may differ by one or several letters, symbols, or the domain used.
“You should not be fooled just because the email looks professional or uses the bank’s logo. Scammers can copy not only the bank’s visual identity but also the email structure, language, and other elements. Therefore, it is important to evaluate not only how the email looks but also where it came from and what actions you are being asked to take,” says Dr. D. Kolmatsui.
Log in only by entering the full website address
The bank reminds that the safest way to access online banking is to enter the full official website address yourself in the browser – www.artea.lt. It is important never to log in to online banking or self-service systems by clicking a link from an email, SMS message, or other unverified source.
Read more “Hezbollah”: Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel will bring «shame and humiliation»
“If the email asks you to log in to online banking, it is best not to click its link at all. Close the email, type www.artea.lt yourself in the browser, and log in as usual. This is a simple habit, but it significantly reduces the chance of ending up on a fake website,” emphasizes D. Kolmatsui.
PIN2 code – only for confirming transactions
Another important signal that clients should not ignore is a request to enter the PIN2 code when logging in using authentication tools.
“The PIN2 code is not intended for logging in. It is used to confirm transactions or sign documents. Therefore, if you are asked to enter PIN2 when logging in to online banking, do not confirm this action under any circumstances. This may mean that scammers have already obtained your previously entered data and are trying to perform a payment transaction to their account in your name,” says Dr. D. Kolmatsui.
The bank also reminds that when using identity verification tools, it is important always to read what exactly you are confirming. If you did not initiate the transaction yourself, you should not confirm it.
What to do if you receive a suspicious email?
Artea recommends:
- not clicking on links or buttons in the email if you were not expecting them;
- checking the sender’s email address;
- remembering that the bank does not send links for logging into online banking and does not send links without prior agreement with the client;
- accessing online banking only by entering the full address www.artea.lt yourself in the browser;
- never entering the PIN2 code when logging in – it is intended for confirming transactions;
- reading the information provided with the signing request before entering PIN1/PIN2 and assessing whether it indicates an action you initiated in online banking or self-service systems;
- not confirming payment or other transactions that you did not initiate yourself;
- if in doubt, contacting the bank through official contacts before taking any actions.
“A scam email can look very convincing. But there is one rule that helps in most cases – do not rush. If you are unexpectedly asked to log in, update data, or confirm an action, first verify the information through the official bank channel. It is better to double-check once than to deal with the consequences of fraud later,” says Dr. D. Kolmatsui.
Artea also reminds: if a client suspects that they have already disclosed login or other sensitive data to scammers, it is important to immediately contact the bank through official contacts and report to the police.
Read more Two cities, three funiculars, and one pre-written verdict
