How to keep credit cards safe from online fraud
In the digital age, online shopping and electronic transactions have become part of our daily lives. However, the increase in the use of credit cards on the internet has also led to an increase in financial fraud. Protecting them while online is essential to avoid financial losses and maintain your personal safety.
Here are some important tips that can help you protect your card from online fraud.
Use only safe and popular sites
When shopping online, make sure the sites you're providing your details to are safe and trustworthy. In the following are some steps you can follow:
- Check the URL: Secure sites will have a URL starting with "https://", where the "s" stands for "secure". Also, look for a padlock symbol in the address bar, which indicates that the site uses a secure encryption protocol.
- Choose popular and reputable sites: Only shop on popular and reputable sites. Avoid sites that look suspicious or have incorrect content.
Turn on notifications and monitor your accounts
An effective way to protect yourself from fraud with your card is to stay informed of any activity on your account:
- Enable notifications: Many banks and financial institutions offer SMS or email notification services for every transaction you make with your card. This will help you stop any suspicious activity in real time.
- Monitor your accounts regularly: Regularly check your credit card statements and notifications to see if there are any suspicious transactions that weren't made by you.
Don't save your card details on websites
Some sites offer the option to save your card details for future purchases. This may seem convenient, but it also adds a high risk of falling prey to scams:
Do not save your card details: Always use the option to not save your card details, especially if you are not sure about the security of the site. This will reduce the chances of your information falling into the wrong hands in the event of a cyber-attackk.
Use two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires more than just a password to access your account. This may include a code sent to your mobile or a security question:
- Turn on two-factor authentication: Use this option whenever available to protect access to your financial accounts.
Beware of fraudulent emails and SMS messages
Online scams often start with emails or messages that look legitimate but aim to get your personal or card information. These messages often contain suspicious links or requests for sensitive data:
- Don't click on suspicious links: If you receive an email or SMS that looks suspicious, don't click on the link or share your personal information. Contact the company directly through their official channels to verify the authenticity of the message.
To read more about Fraudulent Emails (Phishing) click here and about Fraudulent Messages (Smishing) you can read here:
6. Use security software and keep devices up to date
We, as your bank, are dedicated to protecting your personal and financial information. As a result, we will never ask you through SMS to share sensitive information or click on suspicious links:
- Use up-to-date antivirus and firewall software: This will help block dangerous sites and stop viruses from getting your information.
- Update your devices: Make sure you have the latest operating system and application updates to improve security.
- Additional security measures: Use PIN codes, fingerprints or facial recognition to protect your devices from unauthorized access.
Do not use public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions
When shopping online or checking your bank accounts, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unencrypted and insecure
- Use your trusted network or a VPN: Always conduct financial transactions only on secure networks or use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
Protecting against online credit card fraud is a continuous process that necessitates attention and appropriate security measures. Follow these simple tips to keep your cards safe and avoid financial fraud.
If you suspect that your cards have been compromised, do not hesitate to contact the bank immediately to block the card and verify any suspicious transactions.
Please note that our official communication channels are only through phone numbers: 038/222-222 and 049/222-222, as well as through our official domain: raiffeisen-kosovo.com.
If you receive any calls, messages, or emails that appear to come from these numbers or from our domain, but you have doubts about their authenticity, please stop communicating immediately and do not share any personal or sensitive information and notify us immediately.