In recent years, Guatemala has seen a rise in phishing incidents targeting banking customers. According to the Superintendence of Banks of Guatemala, there have been several reports of phishing attempts aimed at users of local banks. Cybercriminals use fake emails and fraudulent websites to try to gain access to bank accounts.
Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to obtain personal and confidential information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by pretending to be a trusted entity. These attempts can come through emails, text messages, phone calls, or other communication channels.
Some common signs of phishing include grammatical and spelling errors in messages, requests for personal information like passwords or credit card numbers, suspicious links that direct users to unknown websites, offers that seem too good to be true, and messages that create a sense of urgency.
To prevent falling victim to phishing attacks, experts recommend keeping operating systems and security software updated. People should also be skeptical of unexpected messages requesting personal or financial information and verify the legitimacy of senders before clicking on links or sharing sensitive data. Enabling two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of protection for online accounts.
Banco G&T Continental advises its customers that it will never contact them through any channel asking for their token codes, security questions, or passwords. "Any unusual activity you notice can be reported by calling our PBX: 1718," the bank states.
Victims or those who identify phishing cases are encouraged to report incidents either to the National Civil Police of Guatemala or the Superintendence of Banks.
The bank's official digital channels include its website (https://www.gtc.com.gt/), PBX: 1718, and WhatsApp: 5554-1718.
Officials emphasize that staying informed and cautious is key in protecting against these types of cyberattacks. "Remember that the best defense against phishing is information and caution," reads a statement from Banco G&T Continental. "Stay alert and do not get caught by scammers' digital hooks."
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