Information of more than 1,100 UOB customers disclosed after employee falls for scam

SINGAPORE: Data of 1,166 prospects has been disclosed after a United Abroad Financial institution (UOB) worker fell prey to an impersonation rip-off.

The shoppers are China nationals and the info disclosed comprise names, identification and cellular numbers, in addition to account balances, stated UOB on Friday (Might 7).

"Their bank account numbers were not disclosed and our IT systems remain secure," stated UOB.

Based on its preliminary findings, an worker of the financial institution had allegedly fallen prey to a China police impersonation rip-off and had been deceived into disclosing the data of those prospects with Singapore-based accounts.

"UOB is working closely with the Singapore Police Force on their investigations," stated the financial institution. 

READ: Greater than S$201 million cheated in high 10 rip-off varieties final yr: Police

READ: Singapore's crime price up in 2020 amid rise in rip-off instances

The worker concerned has since been suspended and can be helping in police investigations.

"We apologise to our customers that this has happened as we have always made it a priority to keep their data secure."

UOB stated it has written to all affected prospects and has taken a number of precautionary measures to guard them as they might be focused by scammers.

These measures embody:

• Instantly disabling their web and cellular banking entry
• Advising them on resetting their digital banking entry and the right way to shield themselves from scams
• Stepping up account monitoring of affected accounts
• Setting an SMS alert threshold of S$1 for any on-line funds transfers
• Posting rip-off safety notices on the login pages of UOB Private Web Banking and UOB Mighty
• Posting a public training discover on UOB social media channels.

"We expect the highest standards of professional conduct from our people at all times as part of maintaining the trust our customers place in us," stated UOB. 

"We are very sorry that our customers have been placed in this position. We will continue to make every effort to work with them on keeping their accounts safe."

In an announcement on Saturday, the Financial Authority of Singapore (MAS) stated it takes a severe view of UOB's buyer knowledge breach.

MAS has been actively participating UOB on its inside controls, mitigation measures, and buyer administration processes, stated the regulator. 

"MAS expects banks to have in place strong controls and measures to safeguard the confidentiality of buyer info, and can take motion in opposition to UOB if MAS’ regulatory necessities had been breached or supervisory expectations not met.”