FNB and RMB Namibia drive collective action against financial crimes
STAFF REPORTER
As International Fraud Awareness Week underscores the global urgency to combat financial crime, FNB and RMB Namibia convened a high-level engagement focused on fraud awareness and cybersecurity. The event brought together senior decision-makers and risk officers to address the escalating threat of fraud and cybercrime—issues that compromise not only individual security, but also the resilience and trust underpinning entire businesses and economies.
Delivering the keynote address, FirstRand Namibia CEO Conrad Dempsey emphasised the systemic impact of fraud, stating: “Fraud and cybercrime are no longer occasional disruptions; they are persistent, sophisticated threats that strike at the very foundation of trust on which our businesses and financial systems depend.”
The session highlighted that fraud is not merely a technical challenge, but a societal issue requiring coordinated action. Discussions centred on emerging trends, advanced prevention tools, and strategies to strengthen organisational and industry-wide resilience. Attendees explored how collaboration across sectors—including law enforcement, the media, community organisations, and customers—can create a united front against financial crime.
Over the past year, FNB and RMB Namibia have intensified national education and awareness efforts through media partnerships, nationwide activations, radio engagements, and digital campaigns. These initiatives aim to simplify complex fraud trends and equip businesses and communities with practical steps to protect themselves.
Dempsey reinforced the importance of transparency and collaboration. “If there is one thing recent incidents have taught us, it is this: fraud thrives in silence, in isolation and in misinformation. So, we are choosing connection. We are choosing transparency. And we are choosing collaboration.”
The timing of the event was deliberate, taking place ahead of the festive season—a period when criminal activity, including cybercrime, typically spikes. By sharing actionable insights and reinforcing preventative measures, FNB and RMB Namibia aim to ensure that businesses and individuals remain vigilant and prepared.
At the event, experts outlined some of the latest tactics criminals use to exploit businesses and individuals. These include:
Social Engineering: Fraudsters manipulate employees and individuals through phishing emails, fake calls, and deceptive messages to obtain sensitive information. They often pose as trusted institutions, create a sense of urgency, and convince victims that sharing details will prevent financial harm.
Deepfake and AI Fraud: Criminals use synthetic media and AI tools to impersonate voices or identities for high-value scams. As more businesses shift online, these sophisticated techniques become increasingly difficult to detect without proper awareness.
Device Linking: With the rise of digital banking, fraudsters gain access to devices through social engineering and technology-driven methods, enabling unauthorised transactions via linked applications.
Card Fraud: Criminals use stolen card details for online purchases. Clients are advised to transact only on trusted websites and to never share card information.
Business Email Compromise (BEC): Criminals intercept communications and alter banking details on invoices or payment instructions, diverting funds to fraudulent accounts. Businesses are urged always to verify banking details before making payments.
These tactics underscore the need for continuous vigilance, robust internal controls, and proactive education across all levels of business.
Dempsey called for sustained commitment, stating: “We may not be able to eliminate every threat, but we can reduce vulnerability by staying informed, alert and connected. When each of us plays our part, we build a system that is stronger, safer and far harder to infiltrate.”
FNB, RMB and the broader FirstRand Namibia Group reaffirmed their commitment to driving education, strengthening partnerships, and investing in secure, innovative systems that protect the financial well-being of all Namibians.
As International Fraud Awareness Week underscores the global urgency to combat financial crime, FNB and RMB Namibia convened a high-level engagement focused on fraud awareness and cybersecurity. The event brought together senior decision-makers and risk officers to address the escalating threat of fraud and cybercrime—issues that compromise not only individual security, but also the resilience and trust underpinning entire businesses and economies.
Delivering the keynote address, FirstRand Namibia CEO Conrad Dempsey emphasised the systemic impact of fraud, stating: “Fraud and cybercrime are no longer occasional disruptions; they are persistent, sophisticated threats that strike at the very foundation of trust on which our businesses and financial systems depend.”
The session highlighted that fraud is not merely a technical challenge, but a societal issue requiring coordinated action. Discussions centred on emerging trends, advanced prevention tools, and strategies to strengthen organisational and industry-wide resilience. Attendees explored how collaboration across sectors—including law enforcement, the media, community organisations, and customers—can create a united front against financial crime.
Over the past year, FNB and RMB Namibia have intensified national education and awareness efforts through media partnerships, nationwide activations, radio engagements, and digital campaigns. These initiatives aim to simplify complex fraud trends and equip businesses and communities with practical steps to protect themselves.
Dempsey reinforced the importance of transparency and collaboration. “If there is one thing recent incidents have taught us, it is this: fraud thrives in silence, in isolation and in misinformation. So, we are choosing connection. We are choosing transparency. And we are choosing collaboration.”
The timing of the event was deliberate, taking place ahead of the festive season—a period when criminal activity, including cybercrime, typically spikes. By sharing actionable insights and reinforcing preventative measures, FNB and RMB Namibia aim to ensure that businesses and individuals remain vigilant and prepared.
At the event, experts outlined some of the latest tactics criminals use to exploit businesses and individuals. These include:
Social Engineering: Fraudsters manipulate employees and individuals through phishing emails, fake calls, and deceptive messages to obtain sensitive information. They often pose as trusted institutions, create a sense of urgency, and convince victims that sharing details will prevent financial harm.
Deepfake and AI Fraud: Criminals use synthetic media and AI tools to impersonate voices or identities for high-value scams. As more businesses shift online, these sophisticated techniques become increasingly difficult to detect without proper awareness.
Device Linking: With the rise of digital banking, fraudsters gain access to devices through social engineering and technology-driven methods, enabling unauthorised transactions via linked applications.
Card Fraud: Criminals use stolen card details for online purchases. Clients are advised to transact only on trusted websites and to never share card information.
Business Email Compromise (BEC): Criminals intercept communications and alter banking details on invoices or payment instructions, diverting funds to fraudulent accounts. Businesses are urged always to verify banking details before making payments.
These tactics underscore the need for continuous vigilance, robust internal controls, and proactive education across all levels of business.
Dempsey called for sustained commitment, stating: “We may not be able to eliminate every threat, but we can reduce vulnerability by staying informed, alert and connected. When each of us plays our part, we build a system that is stronger, safer and far harder to infiltrate.”
FNB, RMB and the broader FirstRand Namibia Group reaffirmed their commitment to driving education, strengthening partnerships, and investing in secure, innovative systems that protect the financial well-being of all Namibians.
