Fraud and Security
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Fraud Type & Definitions
What is Fraud?
Fraud occurs when someone steals your bank or personal details and uses them to authorise a transaction from your account without your knowledge. This results in an unrecognised transaction.
What is a Scam?
A scam involves being deceived into making a payment to a scammer who then steals the money. Scammers often impersonate trusted individuals or organisations, using seemingly genuine emails, phone calls, and texts.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Online Banking
• Anti-virus and anti-spyware: Protect your computer from viruses and spyware by installing protective software. Regularly update your anti-virus software by downloading the latest versions. If your software supports auto-updates, set it to automatically check for updates whenever you connect to the internet.
• Software updates: Ensure your computer’s operating system and browser software are updated with the latest security patches.
Mobile Phone Security
Why protect your mobile phone?
In addition to traditional risks like theft, loss, and the disclosure of private contacts, new threats have emerged, particularly with the new generation of smartphones that have Bluetooth technology and internet access:
• Smart phone viruses.
• Phishing by phone.
• Fraudulent use of your data connection over a Bluetooth link.
• Accessing usernames and passwords that have been stored on your device during internet use.
Mobile Phone Security
Tips for Mobile Phone Security
• Treat your smartphone like a wallet: Keep it safe and with you at all times.
• Think of your smartphone as a computer: Apply the same security rules, such as checking the authenticity of websites, avoiding links from unknown sources, and being cautious of phishing scams asking for personal information.
• Before selling, recycling, or trading in your smartphone: Delete all personal information. Most smartphones have a ‘reset to factory settings’ option. Also, remove or wipe any memory cards.
• Text wisely and safely: Learn to distinguish genuine texts from “Smishing” messages sent by scammers.
Mobile Phone Security
How to Protect Yourself
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages: Instead, go directly to the company’s website to enter information.
• Don’t respond to unknown numbers: If you’re suspicious about a banking phone number received via text, call the toll-free number on the back of your debit card.
• Install software with discretion: Only install software from reputable companies or trusted providers.
• If you receive a fraudulent text message: Forward it to us and then delete it from your device.
Reporting Fraud:
If someone has authorized a transaction using your banking or personal details without your knowledge, this is considered fraud and should be reported immediately. Before reporting a transaction as fraudulent, verify if it could be legitimate. Sometimes, a payment to a merchant may appear under a different name, or another supplementary cardholder on the account might have made the transaction. Additionally, a free trial might have expired, leading to a charge.
If you suspect your online or personal security details have been compromised, or if your NBB Credit or Debit Card has been lost or stolen, call us immediately at 800622823 available 24 hours, 7 days a week).
Password & Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Never give your PIN code to anyone. Don’t give out password, personal or financial details unless it is to use a service that you have signed up to, and you’re sure that the request for your information is directly related. None of our staff will ask you for your PIN. Ensure that when you set your PINs you memorise them and destroy the notification. Remember to:
Shield your PIN when authorising purchases or making cash withdrawals from an ATM.
Never enter any of your PINs into websites or order forms, or disclose it to anyone else, either in person or by typing in to the phone.
Never lend your NBB Card to anyone and be extremely wary if strangers approach you while you are using it.
Immediately report any signs of tampering or if the ATM does not return your card and change your PINs regularly.
Never write down your Username, Password or NBB Card ATM PIN, especially on your computer or mobile phone.
Remember to sign off when you finish a session and if you’re using the service at work, never leave your computer with your details on screen.
Contact us immediately on 800622823 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week) if you think someone knows your Password, or ATM PIN.
Guidelines for Secure Banking
- Never reply to any emails that ask you to submit sensitive information such as your personal banking usernames/passwords, Emirates ID number, card numbers, CVV codes, account numbers etc. Always verify the authenticity of the email by calling the sender on a trusted number. Never click on links contained in an unsecured or unsolicited email.
- Never share your passwords, personal or financial details unless it is to use a service that you have signed up to and you’re sure that the request for your information is directly related. Never use the same passwords for different accounts and always change them on a regular basis, making them as complex as possible. If you think your password has been compromised, please let NBB know at once.
- Stay vigilant by monitoring your accounts and statements. Report any suspicious activity to NBB immediately.
- NBB SMS Alerts notify you of account transactions, helping you detect any suspicious or unauthorised activity promptly.
- If someone tricks you into downloading software that gives them control over your device or bank account, disconnect or end the session immediately. If you can’t find a way to do this, turn off your device and disconnect from Wi-Fi.
- Look for the security lock symbol next to the website link “URL” to confirm it’s a trusted site.
- Don’t trust what you see or hear blindly, even realistic voices or videos can be fake.
- Never share your Banking / Card details, OTPs, or passwords over calls or videos, even if the person looks familiar.
- Always verify requests by contacting your Bank or the person directly on a known number.
- Always investigate any investment opportunity thoroughly to protect your money and personal information from scams.
- Never share your banking PIN or debit/credit card PIN to anyone, even if you believe you are being asked by the Police or someone who works at NBB. Never give out personal or financial information, including online banking username and/or passwords.
- Never send any personal or confidential information to anybody over email.
- Use strong passwords for your digital banking access, change regularly and never share them with anyone.
- Always shield your PIN when using ATM machines or making purchases in a store. When using an ATM, be on the lookout for any “unusual” fittings. Be aware of your surroundings and any people close by, and don’t let anyone distract you during your transaction.
- If an ATM swallows your debit card, call NBB immediately to report it as lost/stolen whilst you are still at the ATM machine.
- Never share your personal bank details with anyone to receive or transfer money for someone else.
- Never give out any One Time Passwords (OTP’s) that you receive from anyone.
- If you lose service on your mobile phone, contact your mobile provider immediately to report this as someone may have fraudulently taken control of it. If your mobile provider confirms this has occurred, call NBB immediately to report this.
- Never click on any links included in SMS text messages or call any numbers that are stated on the message. Always go to the website directly by typing it in your browser and call the number mentioned on the website.
- If someone contacts you on WhatsApp asking for money or personal details, always verify their identity. Call them directly or speak to them in person before responding.
