Citibank has issued an urgent alert for all its customers in the United States. The financial institution has detected a worrying increase in scams known as the "CEO scam" and wants to warn about the risk of not acting cautiously. The message is clear: if you don't pay attention, you could fall into a trap that could cost you a lot of money.
The so-called "CEO scam" is spreading rapidly. This scam involves criminals posing as high-ranking company officials, such as the CEO or chief financial officer, and ordering employees to make urgent bank transfers.
Citibank doesn't want more shocks: be very careful with this scam in the US
They use fake emails that almost perfectly mimic real internal messages. Sometimes they even use social engineering to gain trust.
In the United States, this type of scam has grown alarmingly, which is why Citibank has acted quickly. In its alert, it recommends that all customers and companies stay very alert to any suspicious request. It's important to verify payment orders, even if they seem to come from someone important within the company.
Modus operandi: stay alert if you don't want your day ruined
The bank has reminded that the scammers' modus operandi always has something in common: urgency, pressure, and little information. The email usually asks for discretion and speed, which prevents the victim from consulting or thinking twice before acting. That's where the danger lies.
Citibank has insisted that its commitment to customer security is total. That's why, in addition to issuing the alert, it has shared some useful tips to avoid problems.
It recommends enabling two-step verification for transfers, keeping email systems updated, and raising awareness among all employees, especially those who handle payments.
Citibank is strengthening its fraud detection system
Avoiding these types of scams isn't difficult, but it does require attention. The key is not to get carried away by haste. If you receive an email requesting a transfer, it's better to confirm it with a phone call or speak directly with the supposed sender of the message.
The bank's commitment goes beyond this specific alert. Citibank is strengthening its fraud detection system and working with authorities to reduce the impact of these scams. It has also set up fast channels to report any attempted fraud and help affected people as quickly as possible.
Not paying attention could be costly. That's why following the bank's special tips is the best way to avoid problems and reduce risk. Acting with common sense and staying alert can make the difference between a scare and financial ruin.