Your Guide To Safe Online Banking With A Savings Account

The cyber world is not safe, and many people are afraid of getting an online / digital banking account because we hear of frauds and people losing money.

But in reality, frauds happen when people leak out their bank account, debit card or credit card information. This often happens when someone calls posing as a bank representative and gets the information through fear, guilt or the promise of a reward.

When it comes to online banking, it is actually very safe. It is also very convenient, as we can access our Savings Accounts, shop online, pay bills, apply for loans and credit cards, check our bank statements, transfer funds and more, all from our computers or mobile phones. But even though online banking is very secure, there are a few things we should beware of to avoid fraudsters. It’s always better to be cautious than regret later.

Change your password and PINs regularly


Many of us keep the same password for all accounts, and the same PIN for many years without changing it. This increases your chances of a hacker stealing confidential information. It is advisable to change your password and PIN every few months. If you feel the merchant was not trustworthy, or there was something wrong with the ATM, it is best to change your PIN immediately.

Do not share your bank information with anyone


Banks stress on this over and over again. They regularly send messages to customers to inform them not to share bank information with anyone. No bank representative will call you and ask for debit card, credit card details. Your CVV, PIN and OTP should be kept a secret. It is only for you to verify your identity while making a transaction. A CVV number is found at the back of the card, a PIN is your personal identification number you need to enter on the swipe machine or ATM machine, and the OTP is a one-time password sent to your mobile phone or email ID. Under no circumstances should you share this information with anyone.

Using public computers


It is best not to access savings bank accounts at computers that are public such as at an internet cafe. There is a high chance of someone seeing your password and bank information. If you have to use a public computer, be sure to not allow the browser to store any ID or password. Before you leave the computer, you should clear the cache and browsing history, and delete all the temporary files from the computer.

Check your bank statement


Bank statements are now easily available through online banking or email. So, you can check it any time you want. When you check your bank statement regularly, you can spot any transactions that might be a scam. You can report this immediately to the bank and take action. If you don’t read your bank statement, then you may not even be aware if money is missing.

Emails from banks


Many fraudsters use fake email IDs to contact customers and get them to click on fake links. Don’t go by the email name. You can click on the name to see the full email ID. You will know if it is from the official bank like “aubank.com”. If it says something like “bestdealszzzzzz.com”, it is fraud. It is best not to click on any links in emails. You can type out the URL in the address bar of the browser and access the bank website.

Use good anti-virus software


Always use licensed anti-virus/malware software. Using a pirated version for free might give you some protection but may not be able to protect you from new viruses. Make sure you update and renew your anti-virus software on time to stay protected.

To know more about online banking fraud and safety, you can read up on different methods hackers use such as phishing, skimming, vishing, smishing, spoofing, and so on. There are many, but we should keep our guards up and not fall prey to their tactics. Keep your bank information private and your money will be safe!

Learn more about the types of Savings Accounts and also know the difference between Current and Savings Accounts

Also, learn more about the monthly average balance and maintaining

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