The number of unauthorised attempts to obtain data and commit fraud in cyberspace has increased significantly in recent weeks. Victims are typically unsuspecting people. To protect ourselves from such fraud, we need members of society to come together, by raising awareness among family members and acquaintances and sharing methods of protection. We kindly ask you to play your part in this process and in prevention.
The methods are constantly changing, but you can effectively protect yourself against the different types of fraud in the following ways:
- Everyone must protect their own data. Financial service providers and their staff will never ask you to share your financial details with them, and therefore they will certainly not ask you for your bank account balance, bank card details, passwords or PIN codes. Never give these out to others. Be careful, ask questions, and if the phone conversation does not proceed the usual way, or you become unsure during the call, terminate the call and contact your own bank through the usual channels and ask about any suspicious transactions.
- Never open links received through digital channels if they lead to a financial website! Often, fraudsters use fake pages that look deceptively similar to real banking websites. In all instances, type in your bank's website address all the way through to access the site, or open your familiar page from your favourites. Sending financial links is a favourite approach of fraudsters!
- Never download financial software or applications to a computer or mobile phone based on a phone recommendation. If you are unsure, you should always visit your bank in person or call your own bank or administrator.
Please, help us prevent fraud by following and disseminating the above advice.
24 February 2022 Hungarian Banking Association