Bank of Valletta this morning warned customers to be on the alert for fraud attempts.

"The bank will never request personal customer information such as 24x7 login credentials, PINs or credit card details through any form of communication such as email, telephone or other means of communication," it said.

It said it was aware of phishing scams, purportedly originating either from the bank itself or from reputable companies trying to obtain valuable information such as credit card and account numbers, passwords and log-in details to the bank’s 24x7 services, all of which could be used to commit fraud.

"The bank warns customers that they should always be vigilant against such scams that seek to lure them into surrendering such information to a third party.

"Such scams, mostly by telephone or email, sometimes claim that there is some problem with the customer’s accounts and the information requested is necessary amend these problems."

Customers, the bank said, should always be vigilant and observe standard information security precautions.

People who believe they were being targeted by such a scam should terminate all communication with the alleged fraudster and contact the bank’s Customer Service Centre on 2131 2020, it said.