Online safety is our top priority. We want to inform our customers and the public about increasing financial fraud trends where scammers create fake banking websites and send deceptive messages to solicit funds or personal data.

In some cases, individuals are contacted and falsely informed that they have an account or funds held with the bank. Fraudsters then request advance payments, often under the pretext of AML, account verification, or cryptocurrency-related requirements, to “unlock” or withdraw funds.

Key red flags to watch for:

• Verify the domain, not just the name. Scammers often use look-alike URLs with extensions like .net, .org, or .info instead of the official .lt. Always ensure you are on our official website: www.smebank.lt.
• Banks will never ask you to pay a fee, “AML tax,” or “account activation charge” to release or transfer funds held in your name. If you are asked to pay money to get money – it is a scam.
• Be wary of investment platforms or crypto-services offered via unsolicited emails or calls claiming to be from a bank. Most licensed banks do not manage individual crypto-wallets via phone or email.
• Fraudsters create a false sense of urgency, claiming your “funds will be lost” if you don’t act immediately. A real bank will always give you time to verify information through official channels.

What to do if you encounter a suspicious site?

If you see a website or receive a message impersonating our brand, please do not click any links. Report it immediately to [email protected]  and your local authorities.