Fraudulent
correspondence

With the media paying increasing attention to the theft of customer data, many consumers and investors are concerned about the protection and integrity of their personal data. It is therefore important to address the subject known as "phishing".

"Phishing" is a form of fraud in which e-mails, instant messages and websites are used to deceive individuals and induce them to provide confidential personal information. The term is said to derive from the expression "password harvesting fishing".

In general, forged e-mails give the impression of having been sent by authorised companies asking users to log in to a website in order to update their personal data so as to avoid the closure or suspension of their accounts.

The data typically requested includes: name, address, social insurance number (AVS), account numbers and passwords, bank accounts and credit card information. Sometimes the request even covers the account holder's mother's maiden name or other information used for security purposes.

If you suspect that the name or reputation of MG Finance SA has been used fraudulently, do not forward the phishing message, attach it to a new message and contact us directly.

Here are the steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

• Be on the alert if you receive an unexpected e-mail, instant message or fax appearing to come from a bank or online company. First call the customer service number shown on your bank card, not the number given in the message.

• Do not respond to an e-mail, telephone call or fax instruction asking you to disclose personal information.

• Do not click on any link if the e-mail seems suspicious to you. Doing so may trigger the download of information-harvesting software or spyware onto your computer.

• Check regularly your online bank account, your credit and debit cards, and verify your account balances to ensure that all transactions are correct. Always check your account statements to detect any unauthorised debits.

• Use up-to-date anti-virus software. Anti-spam filters and anti-phishing software exist that can screen out fraud attempts on websites and in e-mails.