The Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) on Wednesday warned about the appearance of deceptive websites that copy its logo in order to illegally collect personal data and sensitive banking information.
Unknown persons have created websites that copy the graphic layout of the official page of the Stock Exchange (www.bvb.ro), a statement said on Wednesday.
Under the false pretext that users are eligible for the withdrawal of dividends worth over 23,000 lei, the attackers request the completion of a form with critical data, including the Personal Identification Number (CNP), IBAN account, phone number, e-mail address.
This information can then be used to access victims’ bank accounts and steal funds.
The Bucharest Stock Exchange makes it clear that it never requests personal or bank data directly on its website for the purpose of paying dividends.
How to avoid scams
BVB recommendations:
- First of all, the URL must be checked: The official website of BVB is www.bvb.ro. Any other variation of the name or extension is an indicator of deception.
- Source of dividends: The distribution of dividends is carried out exclusively through the Central Depository, the paying agents designated by the issuers or through the broker with which you have opened the trading account. BVB does not make direct payments to investors.
- Don’t give out bank details: Never enter your card details or login codes on sites that promise unexpected amounts of money.
- Check the information: If you receive such messages, contact the said institution immediately through official communication channels before taking any action.
The Bucharest Stock Exchange is cooperating with the competent authorities for the reporting and closure of these deceptive sites, the release states.
BVB recommends ignoring requests received from unknown persons who falsely attribute their status as employees of BVB and the Central Depository.
BVB and the Central Depository o not and will not request personal data or the installation of applications for mobile phones in order to obtain sums of money or carry out any type of transactions.
The only way to invest in companies listed on the BVB is to open a trading account with one of the authorized intermediaries, the list of which is available on the stock exchange‘s website, the release also states.
