It’s no secret that FNB, First National Bank, is at the forefront of innovation at banking in South Africa, and actions are pointing at another first for South African banking from them.

FNB was the first bank that embraced social media, and since then has seen great success with its twitter consultant account, RBJacobs (FNB Guy), that helps FNB customers with quick solutions to problems they are experiencing as well as providing them with advice when they need it.

The last couple of weeks allot of FNB customers started asking about dedicated smartphone apps for the internet banking service, even though FNB gives customers access to mobile banking through their fnb.mobi site and through a USSD service, the company seems to have listened to their customers’ request and yesterday on twitter started asking around at what mobile platforms users would like apps for.

Shortly after users responded, FNB changed their profile picture by adding Apple, Android and BlackBerry logos to it, making it even more obvious that they will be launching smartphone apps. The FNB twitter account also mentioned that they will be announcing something today and questions answered by the account hinted that it may relate to dedicated smartphone apps for internet banking. This morning RBJacobs confirmed that today today they will be talking about the FNB App launch, confirming all the rumours.

Would you make use of a dedicated FNB smartphone app to do you internet banking? If so what platform would you prefer?

Few minutes ago I got the following email:

Information – Access Suspended

Dear Valued Absa Customer
In the last fews weeks, our Online Banking Security team has observed multiple logon attempts on your internet banking account from different blacklisted IP’s.

For your safety we have decided to suspend your access. You will need to verify your identity.

Go straight to your Absa for procedures to follow:

Click Here to continue

ABSA Bank will not be responsible for loss of funds to online phishers as a result of failure to comply with this important new directives. We are committed to serving you better.

Security Management
Absa Bank Group

Please do not reply to this e-mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.
For assistance, log in to your absa Online account and choose the “Help” link on any page.

absa bank Email ID # 1009

Nice try but they made a few mistakes, first of sending it to one of my emails I never use for personal stuff and second the url to the page to enter the details.

Must say they did a great job at copying the layout, but lucky for me I know what to check out for on these types of scams.

Some tips to avoid being scammed if you are a Absa customer:

1. Make sure the site you are accessing is https://ib.absa.co.za/ib/ib.jsp
2. Absa will never ask you to update details over an email, if they do just ignore it.

Hi guys, I would please like to urge you al making use of the ZA-Portal proxie and services to refrain from futher use.

We have received allegations about potential fraud committed by ZA-Portal. The matter is still being investigated and awaiting feedback from all the parties, but you may be well advised to stop using the service until all the parties have given their views.

Acording to Elitehost ZA-Portal owner was using several fraudulant credit cards to fund this whole scheme, he even used different identities to register with all the different ISPs.

If you used the service with internet banking and entered any credential please be adviced and change these details.