Handbooks are available on the ABI website www.abi.it to combat computer crimes and scams, and therefore to increase user safety.
The handbooks contain some useful advice for more protected and secure operations online, for an informed use of financial services.
In fact, to operate online comfortably and safely, it is important to follow a few simple rules:
- use different and sufficiently long passwords, with alphanumeric characters and special characters;
- access the Internet through their devices, avoiding public and / or open networks;
- install an antivirus and keep it constantly updated;
- limit the dissemination of your personal information online;
- check the sender's trustworthiness before opening any links and attachments;
- in case of "suspicious" phone calls, check the phone number online or compare it with the official contacts of your bank. In any case, do not trust if bank or other confidential data are asked;
- if you think you have been a victim of a scam or have shared your bank or payment card details, contact your bank immediately.
The ABI also provides suggestions for going to the bank in complete safety, making payments with cards and withdrawing cash at the automatic teller machine (ATM) without running risks, avoiding falling into telephone scams.
The behaviors to follow
Need for each customer to periodically check the movements on their current account and to carefully keep the access codes to remote banking services and the security code (PIN) of their payment cards, strictly personal.
In order not to expose yourself to risks, prefer - where possible - digital services that allow you to carry out operations without going to the branch, such as crediting your pension to your current account and domiciliation of utilities.
Don't be 'habitual', for example you should avoid going to the branch always on the same day and time or always taking the same route;
Don't let strangers approach you;
Never leave money, purses or valuables unattended or in sight.
Using the automatic teller machine (ATM)
- You only need to withdraw the money you need and put it away safely right away.
- Make sure you are not seen when typing in your card's secret code (Pin) and that you don't have strangers too close, contact your bank or contact your card's customer service if you suspect you have been 'spied on'.
- Check that the appliance does not present any anomalies or irregularities;
- Always keep your card credentials in a safe place, never in your wallet or mobile phone memory.
Beware of telephone scams
Absolutely do not consider the telephone request to make wire transfers to pay for services or utilities, or consider requests for money even in relation to close relatives to whom the fraudster could allude.
- Do not provide any type of financial information to telephone operators, no bank or other financial entity can ask by telephone for access credentials to the online current account or bank details.
If in doubt, contact the bank and ask for details.
What to do if you are scammed
- File a complaint against unknown persons with the competent Authorities, explicitly disavowing the financial transactions that have been unlawfully attributed to you.
- In the event of fraud on payment cards, immediately block your card by calling the customer service of your bank or issuer;
- send a registered letter to your bank highlighting the facts and always attaching a copy of the complaint and an identity document.
The suggestions are prepared by ABI with the collaboration of the consumer associations that work with Abi on the Simple Transparency Project, the State Police, CERTFin, OSSIF and ABILab.
Link to the vademecum to act safely inside and outside the branch:
https://www.abi.it/download/infograficai-truffe-scippi-e-raggiri-19-01/?wpdmdl=13398
Links to useful tips for operating online comfortably and safely:
https://www.certfin.it/newsroom/i-navigati-informati-e-sicuri/