Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine new technology with old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. Here are some practical tips to help you stay a step ahead.
| Sr. n | Guideline | Details |
| 7 | Don’t click links embedded in emails. | · Scammers easily rig emails.
· If you get an email from your bank, don’t click on the links which could lead you anywhere. · Instead of going through the link provided, type in the bank’s web address in your browser and navigate from there. |
| 8 | Use anti-virus protection software, firewalls and spyware blockers | · By getting these basic computer protection tools, you could bring down your vulnerability to cyber-attacks and fraud attempts.
· Ensure to keep your computer updated with the most recent security patches |
| 9 | Don’t use public computers for online banking. | · This should always be avoided
· Even if you are careful and log out completely from the system, an expert scam artist can find ways to record your activity. · Hence, you should avoid making transactions through public Wi-Fi. |
| 10 | Check for secure connections. | · When visiting your bank’s website or conducting an online transaction, check your browser to verify a secure connection.
· If the web address starts with “https,” you should have a secure connection. |
| 11 | Report lost cards immediately. | · Never delay and act fast and prevent fraud before it can happen, when you lose your Card.
· Do not procrastinate. As soon as you realize your card is missing, call the bank and request them to send you a new one. |
| 12 | Be aware of your surroundings at ATMs. | · Always keep an eye on the people around you while operating ATM.
· Make sure no one is standing too close. · Use the curved mirror to watch activity behind. · It is absolutely imperative to keep your PIN secret and close your transaction · completely before leaving the ATM location. · If you feel anything is suspicious, quit your transaction and walk away immediately. |
| 13 | Watch out for skimmers. | · Skimmers are interesting little devices that can be placed over ATM card slots in order to steal your account information.
· They can be installed and uninstalled in a matter of seconds. · If the card slot looks peculiar, don’t use it. |
| 14 | Collect your receipt. | · At the ATM, wait for your receipt to print and take it along with you.
· Do not toss it in a trashcan. · The information could be used to access your accounts. |
| 15 | Shred documents and old checks | · Anything with account information should be destroyed beyond recognition.
· Never ever leave your sensitive documents in a wrong place. |
| 16 | Minimize cheque writing. | . Cheques display a lot of personal information, including your phone number, address, bank, account number and signature.
· Whenever possible, use a card or internet or pay in cash. |
| 17 | Write cheques in permanent blue ink. | · Always habituate to write your cheques in blue ink
· Writing cheques in blue ink makes it more difficult for fraudsters to alter the written information. |
| 18 | Do not leave blank space on your cheque. | · Leaving a blank space while writing a cheque, gives an opportunity to add another zero easily in the blank space.
· Hence write the cheque in full form without leaving any space in between. |
| 19 | Make sure checks are not visible through envelopes | . When we try to send cheques through envelopes which is quite transparent, it provides an opportunity for the fraudster. · Hence, habituate to use secured envelopes or place your check between sheets of heavy paper. |
| 20 | Use secure mailboxes only | · While mailing cheques, the mailbox at the end of your driveway can hardly be considered safe.
· Anyone can come along and snatch your outgoing mail in a matter of seconds. · If you’re sending money through the Postal Service or other outlets, use a secure box or take it to the office directly. |
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