As COVID-19 continues to drive e-commerce, First National Bank is urging customers to use trusted and secure merchants to avoid being defrauded by online fraudsters.
Ellis Atekpe, Chief Operations Officer of First National Bank Ghana, says in recent months there have been reports of a rise in new fraud schemes targetting unsuspecting online shoppers.
“The latest modus operandi includes methods to infiltrate common payment fields; and once valid payment information is obtained, it is then sold on the ‘dark web’ and other underground cybercrime carding sites. Fortunately, our fraud detection measures are robust enough to prevent many of these attempts. However, consumers need to maintain a high level of awareness as fraudsters regularly evolve their methods,” Mr. Atekpe said.
The following safety tips for consumers to protect themselves and their card details against fraudsters ahead of the Cyber Security Day commemoration themselves were shared by Mr. Atekpe:
- Do not click on links in emails or 3rd party websites when shopping online; rather, type in the website address yourself in the URL. “To help minimise the risk of fraud, consumers must use trusted websites for online shopping,” Ellis Atekpe said.
- Never disclose personal information such as passwords and PINs to anyone.
- The bank will never ask you to process a transaction in order to reverse a fraudulent one.
- The bank will never ask you for your OTP or confidential information such as your banking password.
- Check your bank statement regularly and thoroughly for any unauthorised transactions/withdrawals.
- Use up to date software to perform regular anti-virus and malware scans on your personal devices.
- Never send e-mails that contain your account number, card number and expiry date.
- Use a secure connection and avoid public Wi-Fi networks.
- Only enter card details when finalising the purchase.
- Once you are not sure of anything, kindly contact the bank.
“Ahead of the major sales season across various online shops and vendors for Black Friday and the Cyber Monday commemoration which precede the end of year festivities, it is important for consumers to familiarise themselves with the new ways criminals are using to defraud unsuspecting victims,” Mr. Atekpe emphasised.
“Through our trusted digital platforms, we continue to educate our customers against the latest fraud schemes and advise on the use of various fraud prevention methods. Customers of First National Bank can temporarily block, cancel or replace their First National Bank cards via the App if they suspect any fraudulent activity.”
