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Check behavioural weak points to prevent ATM fraud

Check behavioural weak points to prevent ATM fraud

Fraud awareness may be the speciality of commercial banks only but last week it was examined at a broader level by experts contributing to the International Fraud Awareness Week. This event is dedicated globally to fraud awareness, detection, and prevention. It is a global effort to minimize the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education.

“First National Bank participated in this week through a country wide awareness campaign at all branches. We included staff as well as stakeholders in the training and awareness campaign as we did not only focus on fraud that impacts our customers but also possible internal fraud in which staff members could be involved. We have put together a presentation on the various forms of fraud as well as a booklet which was handed out” said Ingrid Katjiukua, Head of Forensics at FNB Namibia.

FNB’s fraud prevention publication defines all types of fraud, ranging from ATM fraud to card fraud and skimming, cheque fraud, identity theft, phishing, internet banking, e-mail hacking, cell phone banking, money laundering to various scams such as deposit and refund scam, 419 scam and sim-swap. “Our booklet contains information as to what exactly the type of fraud is and most importantly how to protect yourself against becoming a victim and staying money-safe. We have some golden rules in place, which, if people adhere to these and take note, they should not fall victim to any of the numerous ways of fraudsters and scammers“ she said.

Katjiukua encouraged customers to request a booklet from FNB Namibia and to educate and inform themselves on how to protect against fraud. “While it is not possible for me to give all the golden rules that are contained in the book for the various types of frauds, here are my most important tips that people should remember as a first step to being protected:

“Always keep your PIN safe and do not share with anyone – make your PIN and passwords a bit more difficult and do not write them down.
“Be wary of people loitering around an ATM and strangers offering help.
“Do not disclose any personal information to anyone via phone, mail or fax.
“Do not click on a link send via mail.
“Do not open links or documents from a source you do not know”
“Get one time PIN on your cell and PC so that you can immediately notice a possible strange transaction on your account.
“If it sounds too good to be true (money won in lottery, from deceased estate and the like) it probably is.
“Never provide money upfront to an unknown source as an administrative fee.
“Do not do your banking in internet cafes or unsecure terminals – use our cell phone banking.
“Set daily limits on withdrawals and transfers – just in case.
“Check your bank statement regularly and report any discrepancies immediately.”

FNB’s 24-hour number to report any suspicious activity or to stop a card is 061-2992999

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