Protect Your Finances: Tips to Avoid Fraud

The Financial Consumer Protection Department (FCP Dep.) and Jo-FinCERT have released a set of guidelines to help individuals protect their financial information and prevent fraudulent activities.

One-Time Passwords (OTPs)

When receiving OTPs for transactions or password reset requests, be cautious. Do not answer international calls that may be attempting to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Never share personal photos or identity proof documents with anyone.

Protecting Your Devices

To safeguard your devices and prevent hacking:

Change passwords frequently: Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts.
Install antivirus software and update it regularly: Ensure your device is protected from malware and viruses.
Avoid installing unknown applications or programs: Only install apps from trusted sources to avoid potential threats.
Set automatic lock mechanisms on your phone or device: Lock your device when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
Keep a backup copy of important data: Regularly back up your important files to prevent data loss.

Browsing the Internet Safely

When accessing online banking services or conducting financial transactions, follow these guidelines:

Avoid visiting unsafe websites or using unknown browsers: Only visit reputable websites and use trusted web browsers.
Log out of online banking services after use: Ensure you log out of your accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Update passwords periodically: Change your passwords regularly to maintain security.
Avoid using public devices to conduct financial transactions: Use your own device or a secure network to access sensitive information.
Use virtual keyboards on public computers: When using public computers, use virtual keyboards to prevent keyloggers.

Identifying Signs of Phone Spying

If you notice any of the following signs, your phone may be being spied on:

Faster battery drain than usual: If your battery is draining quickly, it could be a sign of malware.
Overheating phone: An overheating phone can be a sign of malicious activity.
Unusual data consumption increase: If your data usage is higher than usual, it could indicate unauthorized access.
Failure to shut down device properly: If your device is not shutting down correctly, it may be a sign of malware.
Unknown applications or messages: Be cautious of unknown apps or messages that may be trying to gain unauthorized access.

Measures to Take after Being Exposed to Fraud

In case you become a victim of fraud:

Block payment cards and freeze account balances: Visit your branch or call the customer service number to take immediate action.
File a complaint with the bank, financial company, and Central Bank of Jordan: Report the incident to relevant authorities to prevent further issues.
Reset your mobile phone to factory settings if necessary: If your phone has been compromised, consider resetting it to its original state.

Precautions Regarding Payment Cards

To prevent fraudulent activities using payment cards:

Deactivate features in local and international online transactions: Ensure you deactivate any unnecessary features to prevent unauthorized access.
Deactivate contactless feature when not in use: Disable contactless payments when not needed to maintain security.
Verify amounts displayed on vending machine screens before entering PIN numbers: Double-check the amount displayed on vending machines to avoid potential scams.
Keep your card secure while conducting transactions: Keep your card close and secure during transactions to prevent theft.
Be cautious when entering PIN numbers at ATMs or point-of-sale sites: Enter your PIN securely and avoid sharing it with anyone.

By following these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to financial fraud and protect their personal and financial information.