Fiji Online Banking Users Warned of Fraudulent Activities
A growing concern in Fiji’s online banking scene has prompted a warning from financial experts to be vigilant against fraudulent activities that could compromise sensitive personal information.
The Risks
With the increasing reliance on digital transactions, individuals are at risk of falling prey to:
- Phishing emails or vishing phone calls that may trick them into revealing passwords and confidential details on fake banking websites
- Viruses or spyware that can gain access to bank accounts and other personal information stored on computers
Prevention is Key
Financial institutions and experts are advising individuals to exercise extreme caution when conducting online transactions. To avoid becoming a victim of online fraud:
Verify Authenticity
- Legitimate communications from banks will always use your actual name, not generic titles
- May include additional verification methods like postcodes or account numbers
Secure Internet Connection
- Look for ‘https’ at the beginning of the address and a padlock symbol in the browser frame
- However, this only guarantees the security of the link between your device and the website owner, not the authenticity of the site itself
Minimize Risks
- Only visit online banking websites by entering the correct address into your browser or using a bookmark created with the correct URL
- If you suspect that your details have been compromised, immediately contact your bank
Additional Measures
To create an additional layer of security:
- Use unique passwords and PINs for each website
- Ensure they are strong and not shared with anyone
- Avoid storing or writing down these sensitive details
- Set up dual authority with your bank, especially for transactions above a certain limit
- Understand the terms and conditions regarding liability in case of fraud
Reduce Risk Further
Consider:
- Switching off paper statements and registering for online banking with mobile alerts
- Paper statements are easily intercepted and read, while mobile alerts provide timely notifications of transactions
- Avoiding public computers or sharing sensitive information with others
The Fiji Financial Community’s Message
By taking these precautions seriously, we can prevent fraudulent activities and ensure a safer online banking experience for all. Remember to stay vigilant and protect your personal and financial data to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud.