Have you ever wondered how someone external can steal the access data to your accounts without having been in physical contact with you? Well, in this note we will tell you about a form of online robbery or cyber scam which is more common than you might imagine, since it directly attacks users who use online banking. If you are one of them, you should be attentive to these elements of your bank’s web portal.
First you should know that if you receive an email from a bank and it gives you a link to access your online banking, you should be suspicious from the start. Banks can send promotional messages, but they will not ask for your personal information. If you enter this fraudulent link, it will take you to a website that looks exactly the same as your bank’s but when you enter your information, they will be sending it to a third party
Keys to Identify Websites of Official Banks and Avoid Scams in Online Banking
To make sure that you are on the official page of your bank, check the URL in the address bar of your browser. Make sure the address is correct and doesn’t have strange or missing characters. Also, most banks use the HTTPS protocol, which means that the connection is encrypted and more secure.
Look for the Padlock in the Address Bar
The lock symbol in the address bar indicates that the page has an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, which ensures that the information you exchange with the site is encrypted and protected. If you do not see the padlock, be wary of the page and do not enter your personal data.
Check the Security Certificate
By clicking on the padlock in the address bar, you will be able to access the site’s security certificate information. Make sure that the certificate is issued by a recognized entity and is current. You can also verify that the name of the bank matches the name of the certificate holder.
Check Layout and Spelling
Fake pages often have design and spelling errors, as they try to imitate the official page without being exact. If you notice anything strange or out of place, such as distorted logos or misspellings, be wary and check the authenticity of the site before entering your details.
Do not Access Your Online Banking from Links in Emails
A common practice by scammers is to send emails that appear to be from the bank, but actually contain links to fake pages. Avoid clicking links in emails and instead go directly to your bank’s official website by typing the URL in the address bar
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