The restrictions in physical shopping since the start of the lockdown has increased online shopping in recent months. Here’s how to protect yourself from fraud
Senzo Nsibande, FNB Head of Card Fraud, shares important tips that you can use to protect yourself against fraud crimes during this time:
- Be alert and aware of individuals contacting you pretending to be from the bank.
- Fraud departments or any official from a bank will never ask you to disclose your PIN or One Time PIN.
- Protect your card details and ensure that you shop via secure platforms or websites.
- Register for inContact, a free instant SMS service that notifies you when your card is swiped or when cash is withdrawn from your account.
- Do not disclose your One Time PIN to anyone, including family, friends and ‘bank officials’.
- Protect your One Time PIN the same way to protect your card PIN.
- Never send emails quoting your card number, expiry date and CVV number.
- Verify any information presented on a suspicious call by checking your transaction history through the banking App or the contact centre, using the number on the back of the card.
- Should you suspect any fraudulent activity, immediately report the incident through the banking app.
Online shopping continues to rise across the world and with Covid-19, the upward trend is likely to continue. While online shopping is encouraged, it is advised that you familiarise yourself with the new ways that criminals are using to defraud unsuspecting people. More importantly, always protect your personal information. Your bank should never request your private information, such as a One Time PIN or your card PIN for any reason. Happy online shopping and remember to be careful when making online transactions.
Source: FNB
Words: Senzo Nsibande, FNB head of card fraud.
