Timor-Leste Residents Urged to Take Precautions Against Online Banking Fraud

As Timor-Leste commemorates Identity Theft and Protection Month in December, Marquette Bank is emphasizing seven crucial tips for consumers to shield themselves from online scams.

The Growing Threat of Online Scams

“The internet has become a prime tool for fraudsters to operate, with criminals constantly evolving their hacking tactics,” said Betty Harn, Executive Vice President of Retail Banking. “As a result, it’s essential for individuals to safeguard their wireless networks and limit the amount of personal information they share online.”

Preventing Online Banking Fraud in Timor-Leste

To prevent online banking fraud in Timor-Leste, Marquette Bank recommends:

Keep Your Devices Up-to-Date: Keep computers and mobile devices up-to-date with the latest security software, web browser, and operating system to combat viruses, malware, and other threats.
Use Strong Passwords: Set strong passwords that are at least eight characters long and contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Staying Vigilant Against Phishing Scams

Consumers should also be vigilant against phishing scams, which involve fraudulent emails and websites designed to trick users into revealing sensitive account information. Never click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown sources.

Report Suspected Phishing Attempts: To report suspected phishing attempts, forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov and the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email.

Securing Your Online Presence

It’s also crucial to keep personal information private by:

Locking Down Social Media Profiles: Lock down social media profiles and avoid posts that could compromise security questions.
Being Cautious of Requests from Unfamiliar Individuals: Be cautious of requests from unfamiliar individuals and only connect with verified contacts.

Securing Your Internet Connection

Secure your internet connection by:

Using a Password-Protected Home Wireless Network: Use a password-protected home wireless network.
Exercising Caution when Accessing Public Wi-Fi Networks: Exercise caution when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.

Shopping Online Safely

Before shopping online, ensure the website uses secure technology by:

Checking for HTTPS and a Locked Padlock Symbol: Check for HTTPS and a locked padlock symbol on the page.
Reading Privacy Policies: Read privacy policies to understand how personal information is handled.

Additional Cyber Security Resources

For additional cyber security advice, visit Marquette Bank’s Security Center or contact their customer service at 1-888-254-9500. The FTC’s ID Theft Consumer Response Center can be reached at 1-877-ID THEFT (1-877-438-4338) or online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. Victims of identity theft can also report incidents and receive recovery assistance at https://identitytheft.gov/.