The New
Zealand Bankers’ Association today encouraged people to be wary of
online banking scams as part of Fraud Awareness Week 2014.
"Online scammers are
constantly thinking up new ways to trick people into handing over personal
information," said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk
Hope.
"Never give anyone
your PIN or internet banking
username or password. Your bank will never ask you for this confidential
information. Anyone who asks for this, even if they say they’re from your bank
or a retailer you know, will in all likelihood be trying to scam you.
"Once scammers have
that information, such as your account number, log-in details, or password,
they can access your identity and your money."
"If it doesn’t seem
right, take care and double check it first before handing over personal
information."
"Everyone has a role
to play in fighting fraud by being vigilant and reporting scams.
"Reporting scams
raises public awareness and helps stop scammers in their tracks. Contact your
bank as soon as possible if you think you’ve been taken in by a scam,"
Hope said.
Scams can also be reported
here.
Online scams are the focus
of this year’s Fraud Awareness Week campaign, which is co-ordinated by the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. More information about Fraud Awareness Week is
available here.
Safety tips to help protect yourself against online banking and
shopping scams include:
o
Logon to internet banking by typing in your bank’s full web
address. Do not use links that appear to take you to your bank’s website.
o
Check you have a secure connection, which is shown by a padlock
symbol somewhere on the page, and that the website address starts with
‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.
o
Avoid public computers and public Wi-Fi for internet banking,
e.g. internet cafes, libraries or hotels.
o
Protect your identity information and only provide it to trusted
people and organisations. This includes your date of birth, address, driver’s
licence number and passport details.
o
Shop with trusted retailers. Before you provide personal
information make sure they will protect that information.
o
Keep your anti-virus and firewall software up to date.
o
If you suspect you’ve been taken in by a scam, contact your bank
immediately.
If you use
your mobile phone for banking:
o
Only download apps from
trusted sources
o
Keep device operating
systems up to date, and update apps when prompted
o
Use your phone’s password
lock feature
o
Shield your passwords
from people around you
o
Change your passwords
periodically, and make sure they are not easily guessable
o
If available, use
anti-virus software
o
Contact your bank
immediately if you lose your phone.
0 comments:
Post a Comment