Cybercrime and credit: Banking and online credit fraud

Once is not custom, we will discuss today on our blog the security aspect of banking operations. Currently, the majority of financial transactions take place on the internet. Indeed, you consult your accounts online, you print your bank statements via your connection on the website of your bank, you make your transfers directly via your computer etc. No wonder, then, that crime has evolved and is turning to computer fraud. Do not panic, however, with a little common sense and vigilance you should be able to thwart a possible scam attempt.

The use of your PC banking

When your credit agreement is signed, the borrowed funds are transferred to your checking account within 48 hours of signing. Your first monthly premium must be reimbursed within one month of signing the credit agreement and so on, month by month, until the expiration of your credit agreement.

What is phishing?

Phishing means phishing in English. It is a tortious operation by which a cybercriminal will try to extract from you the codes that you use with your security module (calculator) to make your payments online. We invite you to watch this explanatory video.

In general, cyber crooks try to make you communicate your electronic signatures either by phone or by email. They cite various reasons: bank security check, etc. A simple rule: never communicate your M1 or M2 codes as well as your four-digit debit or credit card code for any reason whatsoever.If in doubt, cut the conversation short and then call your bank branch yourself to check. Always go physically to your bank branch to perform this kind of transaction.

It is not uncommon for fraudsters to duplicate a website to make you believe that you are on the right site of your bank. So don’t trust appearances. If in doubt, double click on the small padlock at the top right of the page before the URL to verify that it is your bank’s URL. Anyway, even via your bank’s website, nobody can ask you for your electronic signature. If a suspicious screen appears, end your connection and notify your bank to verify what it is.

Some common sense advice…

• Always use the most recent operating system and make the updates offered by your system;
• Make sure your operating system is well protected by an antivirus. Again, don’t forget to update …
• Beware of free download sites: they are an ideal gateway to viruses;
• Periodically do a full scan of your computer;
• Learn about your bank’s IT security rules via its website;
• Never give an electronic signature with your security module by phone or email;
• After all, don’t keep large sums in your checking or savings account: interest is so low that it pays less than inflation. Prefer term accounts that will bring you more and therefore access is much less easy;
• Do not forget to log out after using your Home Bank or PC Banking;
• Be very vigilant in the use of internet cafes. Invest in a small tablet if you are traveling and need to log into your accounts regularly. You will find wifi everywhere now;
• Be vigilant if an unexpected screen appears when using your PC Banking or Home Bank. Log out and check if the phenomenon occurs again. If so, notify your bank for verification.
• Banks never ask for confidential information by email or phone. So beware if you receive such a request. Log out and call your bank.
• Spelling mistakes or convoluted grammatical constructions should also put your ear to the word.
• One last thing, be careful in the information you communicate on social networks: your life will be of particular interest to cybercriminals.