Bank Windhoek steps up fraud warning
bank Windhoek has urged customers and the wider public to remain vigilant as fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated tactics to manipulate victims into disclosing confidential banking information or authorising fraudulent transactions.
The bank said criminals were exploiting a growing range of channels, including fake SMS alerts, emails, social media messages and phone calls, to create a false sense of urgency or trust and pressure customers into acting without verifying requests.
The warning forms part of Bank Windhoek's ongoing efforts to strengthen customer awareness and protect clients against financial crime.
"Fraudsters do not always attack banking systems; they often attack trust," Bank Windhoek executive officer for marketing and corporate communication services Jacquiline Pack said.
"They create fear, urgency or false reward to make people act before they think. Our message to every customer is clear: stop, think and verify. Your bank would never ask you to share your PIN, password or OTP."
The bank stressed that customers should never disclose their personal identification number (PIN), passwords, card details, usernames, one-time passwords (OTPs) or any other confidential banking information, even to someone claiming to represent the bank.
It also warned customers to treat requests for so-called "reverse codes", "access codes" or similar authorisation details as potential fraud attempts, saying such terms are commonly used by scammers seeking to gain access to accounts or approve unauthorised transactions.
Bank Windhoek said common scams include phishing emails designed to imitate trusted institutions, calls from criminals posing as bank employees, fake SMS alerts intended to create panic, social media messages requesting confidential information and fraudulent offers of prizes, loans or urgent account assistance.
The bank further cautioned customers against installing remote-access software, including applications such as AnyDesk, at the request of anyone claiming to provide technical or banking support.
According to the bank, fraudsters misuse such software to take control of customers' devices and capture online banking usernames, passwords and authorisation details, often without victims realising their accounts have been compromised.
"In many cases, fraudsters sound convincing because they use personal details, professional language and pressure tactics to gain the victim's cooperation," Pack said.
Customers are encouraged to end suspicious calls immediately, avoid clicking on unknown links, ignore requests for confidential banking information and contact the bank through its official channels whenever they are uncertain.
The bank also advised customers to be cautious of callers who attempt to keep them engaged for extended periods while fraudulent transactions are initiated or funds are transferred.
Customers who believe they have been targeted or fallen victim to fraud should report the incident immediately to the Bank Windhoek Customer Contact Centre.
Pack said rapid reporting improves the chances of restricting compromised accounts, tracing suspicious transactions and supporting recovery efforts.
Bank Windhoek said it continues to invest in secure banking platforms, fraud prevention systems and customer education through its "Your Bank Would Never" awareness campaign.
"Protecting customers is a shared responsibility," Pack said.
"Bank Windhoek will continue to strengthen its systems and educate customers, but awareness must become action. If something feels suspicious, do not respond, share or authorise. Contact the bank first for more information."
She urged customers to treat any unexpected request for banking information as a warning sign.
"Fraud prevention begins with one decision: pause before you respond," Pack said.
