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Online Banking Security Risks on the Rise in Dominica
As the holiday season approaches, residents of Dominica are being warned to be vigilant against online banking scams. The latest reports indicate that fraudulent activities are on the rise, with criminals using email and text messages to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing sensitive financial information.
How Scams Work
According to experts, these scams often involve fake emails or texts purporting to come from reputable financial institutions, including local banks such as National Bank Dominica (NBD). The scammers will typically ask victims to disclose personal details or transfer funds to a fraudulent account. Additionally, mobile payment app fraud is also on the rise, with criminals using these apps to transfer funds into unsuspecting individuals’ accounts before asking them to withdraw or transfer the money elsewhere.
How to Avoid Falling Victim
To avoid falling victim to these scams, residents of Dominica are advised to exercise extreme caution when using online banking services. This includes:
- Being wary of unsolicited emails or texts from unknown senders
- Never sending money to someone you don’t know or have never met in person
- Using secure networks for banking transactions
Warning Signs
Experts also warn against using public Wi-Fi for banking transactions, as this can leave personal information vulnerable to hacking. Additionally, NBD has issued a statement urging customers to be cautious when receiving calls from individuals claiming to be from the bank.
Legitimate employees will never threaten or pressure customers into providing sensitive information, and customers are advised to hang up if they are unsure about the authenticity of a call.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect themselves against online banking security risks, residents of Dominica can take the following steps:
- Be cautious when using mobile payment apps, and only send money to trusted individuals
- Never disclose personal or financial information in response to unsolicited emails or texts
- Use secure networks for banking transactions
- Verify the authenticity of calls from NBD by contacting the bank directly
By taking these precautions, residents of Dominica can help protect themselves against online banking security risks and enjoy a safer holiday season.