Scorpions arrest alleged internet fraud kingpin

The Scorpions have arrested the alleged kingpin in an internet banking fraud ring. The 28-year-old suspect was arrested at his Cape Town home. He has been linked to at least 120 incidents of online fraud that has affected most of South Africa's major banks.

At least 14 other suspects have been arrested in connection with ATM card swiping and card swapping schemes.

Herman Singh, Standard Bank's director of architecture and technology engineering, says fraud syndicates specifically target the computers of customers as they are the most vulnerable link in the online banking chain.

Singh said: "It is very limited, but the customer who is the most vulnerable can protect themselves with certain steps, by not sharing their password, typing in a full url, keeping system patched, having a reputable anti-virus and firewall, and using a notification system."