As the festive season approaches, Kenya’s Banking industry is stepping up efforts to educate consumers on the importance of online transactions vigilance through its longstanding campaign, #BeAlert #KaaChonjo. Celebrating more than a decade of consumer-led fraud prevention, the Kaa Chonjo campaign aims to empower consumers as the frontline defense against online scams.
In this article, we’ll delve into the top tips provided during the campaign to help consumers navigate the digital banking landscape safely and protect their financial information.
Top Tips for Online Transactions:
- Ignore Fraudulent Calls, Texts, and Emails:
One of the cardinal rules of avoiding fraudsters is to ignore any calls, text messages, or emails requesting personal information like passwords or PINs. A regulated financial institution will never ask for this information through such channels.
- Activate Multifactor Authentication:
Enhance the security of your accounts by enabling multifactor authentication. This additional layer of protection makes it significantly more difficult for fraudsters to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Avoid Suspicious Downloads:
Steer clear of downloading software or mobile apps from unverified sources. Stick to reputable app stores to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to your mobile banking account.
- Exercise Caution with Free Wi-Fi:
Public Wi-Fi networks can be breeding grounds for cyber threats. Please avoid using free Wi-Fi when accessing your bank platforms unless you are sure it is a secure network. Fraudsters can exploit unsecured networks to steal passwords.
- Beware of Risky Links:
Refuse to click on links from unknown sources, whether they arrive via text, email, or social media inboxes. These links may contain malware that can compromise your security.
- Never Save Banking Passwords:
Resist the temptation to save sensitive information such as debit/credit card details or banking passwords on your computer, phone, or tablet. Memorize your passwords instead.
- Use Strong and Unique Passwords:
Create strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable. Avoid using common phrases or personal information readily available online, such as your birthdate or address.
- Use Your Own Device and Log Out:
Conduct online transactions on your own computer or mobile device. Avoid using public computers or logging in on other people’s phones. Always remember to log out after completing your transactions.
- Monitor Your Accounts:
Stay vigilant by activating text/email notifications for all activities in your accounts. Report any unrecognized activity promptly to your bank or service provider.
- Set Card Limits:
Minimize potential losses by setting limits on the amount of cash that can be transacted through your card. This precautionary measure can be invaluable in the event of unauthorized access.
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