The hard truth is many companies keep their business and personal information and bank accounts private. They ensure it is inaccessible to criminals. Yet there are different types of fraudsters and thefts. There is a need to remain vigilant to protect your bank accounts and information. As explained in this article about the impacts of fraud on businesses from Polonious, the impacts from fraud go beyond the financial.
10 Steps to Reduce the Risk of Fraudsters Accessing Your Business and Personal Bank Accounts
1. Browse authorized websites
Websites look professional as the fraudsters design them the same as the bank’s website.
Avoid non-secure websites and browse only https:// sites. Preceding with www and the URL with the domain name. Recheck to assure that the website is authentic or not.
2. Secure Internet Connection
Using computers in libraries or cybercafes is not safe. Avoid public Wi-Fi spots or public computers for banking. Signing in unsecured public places may be accessible to fraudsters. They gain access to your phone or computer and start monitoring your activities. Ensure to do any transaction on a private secure connection before sharing personal or banking information.
3. Use verified apps only
Downloading banking apps for online businesses should be done through a bank providing scanning codes or links. Be careful before placing your login credentials. Ensure the app you download is verified and genuine.
4. Use cards vigilantly
Use your card to make payments at a restaurant, shop, or online business, but do not let the card go out of sight. Check if the card reading machine is genuine or if there is some card skimmer to steal the data. Enable transaction options abroad by setting two-step verification.
5. Update your mobile and computer security
Keep the phone and computer security operating system, web browser, and software updated. Set passwords and place a strong password. Ensure it is not an easy password to guess. It should have a combination of upper and lower case letters, special characters, and numbers. Avoid using one password for many payments, to avoid compromising your computer or mobile security.
6. Avoid sharing personal information
Personal information is very important and you cannot share it with any third party or a stranger. Do not reveal your financial details or information over SMS, phone calls, or emails. Never transfer funds before confirming and assuring the person’s identity. Avoid sharing personal sensitive details such as Social security numbers on sites or social platforms.
7. Do not respond to unknown sms, calls, or emails
Receiving fraudulent messages emails, and calls are a way of tricking into getting your financial details. Such callers pose as employees of a bank, or some financial institution asking for your information. They may cite various reasons, such as unused reward points, gifts, or free cashback. Banks or financial institutions genuinely do not ask for any such information and do not reward anything for free. These are fraudsters attempting to get your details, social security number, and personal information to withdraw your money from your account. Stay strict and avoid entertaining such communications.
If you’re looking to find out information about the owner of a phone number try a free reverse phone number lookup. A free reverse phone lookup is a simple and quick way to find out information about the owner of a phone number. Reverse phone lookups can be used to track down your partner’s text message sender, identify unknown callers, run background checks, and confirm the legitimacy of online vendors. You can discover data like as owner details, contact information, location history, social media profiles, prior residences, and more by conducting a reverse phone search.
8. Never respond to offer remote access to your computer
Scammers are the people contacting you to get remote access to your computer. They cite reasons for updating anti-virus or software and gaining access. They will lock your computer and unlocking it demands a ransom. Giving them your payment details becomes inevitable and the moment you part your information, your bank accounts become empty. The best is to hang up the phone when there is any call requesting remote connections. Do not speak a word.
9. Do not click on any attachment
Clicking on any attachment, picture, or link irrelevant to you is dangerous. These communications are fraudulent as it comes from unknown contacts. Clicking the links is a way to steal your information.
10. Enable transaction alerts
Check transaction details, and enable alerts with the password manager so that you receive an email alert and sms. With each transaction receiving a notification is best, and do check the bank statement every week.
