Frauds In Banking: How To Protect Yourself Against Them?

In today’s world of finance and investment, many users and investors are looking for ways to conduct their transactions safely. As opportunities and applications in investment and finance continue to develop, life becomes easier, but at the same time, security issues arise. Especially with banking applications and all other transactions, reliability is the most important concern for every user. As technology rapidly advances and opportunities increase, banking and finance transactions become easier, but fraud and deception also increase. Users and institutions can take some precautions to prevent these frauds, which are carried out through banks and mobile applications. However, no matter how many precautions are taken, frauds through the internet and applications are still being carried out. Despite the many security measures taken, many cybercriminals can target banks and people’s accounts to engage in fraudulent activities.

There are various areas and topics among banking frauds. Even if security measures are increased using technology, fraudsters can develop many different methods of deception. Fraudsters can carry out their activities while shopping online or using social media. Although many studies have been carried out on banking and internet fraud, significant progress has not been made. Fraudsters and attackers continuously develop their methods and skills by taking advantage of the possibilities of technology. Especially with the use of many software programs or phishing methods, fraud can be carried out. The occurrence of fraud within banking services significantly affects users and investors. Users who cannot conduct their transactions and investments securely turn to different markets that they believe are safe. Therefore, especially financial institutions and banks make significant investments in the field of security. All banks, especially in the field of internet banking and mobile applications, are developing themselves superiorly and taking new security measures.

How Is Online Shopping Fraud Done?

Among the methods that fraudsters most commonly resort to is fraud through online shopping. Nowadays, many users shop online or via mobile applications. Users can access products and services through advertisements or different promotions they see on social media. This convenience brought by technology and social media also contains different risks. During shopping, due to the fraudulent activities of fraudsters, users’ bank information can be obtained. Especially via social media, fraudsters provide product and service promotions and enable users to access them. Therefore, users try to shop by clicking on advertisements, as if it were a normal company or institution. However, despite the fact that the fraudsters appear to be quite real, they can direct you to a fake website. In particular, fraudsters may ask for payments to be made via EFT or wire transfer instead of security methods. In this case, even if you have made the payment, no product delivery will be made to you. In addition, different problems that will victimize you may arise by acquiring your card information through bank frauds.

In order to avoid any fraudulent activity when shopping online, users need to be extremely careful. Making purchases from reliable websites and applications will ensure protection against fraud. In addition, users should be cautious about unknown ads and promotions and not click on every ad that comes their way.

Fraud Through Malware

One of the most common methods used by fraudsters today is to use malware. Malware affects devices and can give fraudsters access to the information of banks and financial institutions. Users may encounter some problems when they download applications from unknown or untrusted sources. Some seemingly harmless applications may contain fraudsters. Simple mobile applications offered by fraudsters can cause harmful software to run on your device and make your bank information vulnerable. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the source of any mobile application is reliable before downloading it. Additionally, having anti-virus programs on all devices can protect them against such applications. Fraudsters can also access bank information through different websites. Through websites related to gambling, dating, or adult content, fraudsters can gain access to people’s bank information and cause them to suffer. To avoid falling victim to bank fraud, individuals should avoid accessing untrustworthy websites.

Fraud Through Remote Access

One of the most common methods used by fraudsters is to gain access to your bank information remotely. Fraudsters usually call users by phone, claiming to provide technical support or stating that some information is required from the bank. They generally introduce themselves as a telecommunications company employee or a bank employee. Additionally, they may say that you have won a reward or that free credit will be given. After convincing users through different methods, they try to obtain their personal and financial information. They may also send you a message and ask you to download a good application. During the conversation, they may ask you to enter your banking application and password. If you receive such a call and are asked for personal information, it is best to hang up. Moreover, you should never share your personal information or passwords with the other party over the phone.

Fraud Through Email Use

One of the most important problems among banking frauds is that they are carried out through emails. Scammers usually send an email after obtaining your email address. In this email, they may ask you to do something or click on a link. Scammers who use fake links or files especially try to obtain your bank information. By obtaining your bank and finance information, they can act in ways that will victimize you. Scammers usually organize their email addresses as a corporate company, so they are not easily recognized as fake. Therefore, users and investors need to be very careful when reviewing their emails.

Fraud Through Social Engineering

Fraudsters who use this method usually try persuasion and influence techniques. They introduce themselves as police officers, prosecutors, or bank officials using social engineering. Especially by offering options such as campaigns or refunds through social engineering, they try to convince you. Fraud through social engineering is particularly effective with groups that can be persuaded. Fraudsters who use social engineering generally ask for your identity and banking information. Fraudsters offering opportunities that cannot be missed can carry out bank transactions in your name by using your information after gaining your trust. To avoid such a problem, it is best not to answer phone calls that do not come from official channels. If you have talked on the phone, you should never share your personal information to avoid bank fraud.

See you in the next post,

Anil UZUN