Beware of fraudulent websites impersonating companies in the Monex group
At Monex, the security of our clients and prospective clients is our top priority, and with the recent increase in spear phishing attempts targeting companies and individuals around the world, we want to ensure you stay secure in the event of any scam attempts.
We have recently been made aware of several fraudulent websites, designed by scammers, to impersonate a number of companies in the Monex group. These websites have extremely subtle differences from the legitimate Monex websites, and use both our distinctive logos and colours.
To date, we have been notified of two instances where individuals have interacted with fraudsters using the fake domains, and have reported this to the authorities to ensure that the websites are taken down. We have also notified Privacy Protect, the platform which hosts these websites.
To protect the security of your information, please do not engage with or click on any links in communications from the following domains:
- monexeurope.co
- monexeurope.uk
- monexcanada.co
Please ensure you only contact us using the official and correct contact details on our website contact us page for each Monex location.
Be vigilant and know the warning signs
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in spear phishing attempts targeting companies and individuals around the world. Spear phishing is a sophisticated form of phishing where attackers tailor their fraudulent messages to specific individuals or organisations to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, financial information, or personal details. Once the fraudsters gain your confidence, they may impersonate Monex employees to arrange transactions which could lead to you losing any funds you transfer to their account.
What to look out for
If you receive communications from someone you believe is not a true Monex representative, the following warning signs could indicate a potential scam:
- Personalised emails: These emails may appear to come from a trusted source, including our company, and may address you by name.
- Urgent requests: The email might create a sense of urgency, asking you to update your account information, verify your identity, or make a payment.
- Suspicious links or attachments: Be cautious of links or attachments that prompt you to enter personal information or download malicious software.
- Incorrect domain names: Check the sender’s email address carefully. Spear phishing emails often use addresses that look similar to our official domain but may have slight misspellings or extra characters.
Examples of recent spear phishing attempts
- Emails pretending to be from our customer support team, asking you to verify your account details.
- Messages claiming there has been suspicious activity on your account and requesting immediate action.
- Invoices or payment requests that appear to be from our accounts department.
How to protect yourself
- Verify the source: If you receive an unexpected email from us, especially one requesting sensitive information, contact us directly through official channels before responding. Do not reply to the email directly.
- Do not click on suspicious links: Hover over links to see the destination URL before clicking. Do not download attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring more than just your password to log in.
- Keep your software updated: Ensure that your antivirus and anti-malware software is up to date and that your operating system and applications have the latest security patches.
- Educate yourself: Familiarise yourself with common phishing tactics and stay informed about the latest security threats.
Reporting suspicious emails
If you receive any communications that you believe may be a spear phishing attempt or scam using the Monex brand, please forward it to our security team at security@monexeurope.com immediately. Do not click on any links or download any attachments before doing so.
If you believe you have transferred any money to a suspected fraudster, be sure to contact your bank immediately.