Keep yourself and your money safe this festive season

13 December 2018

This festive season the New Zealand Bankers’ Association is reminding people to watch out for financial crime.

“While many of us are rushing to get ready for Christmas, fraudsters are also busy trying to access our bank accounts. They’re always looking for opportunities to steal our money, especially when we let our guard down,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association acting chief executive Antony Buick-Constable.

“So when you’re Christmas shopping or catching up with friends and family, take care online and when you’re out using your card.”

If you’re using your card to pay for gifts, or out on the town, here are some tips to help keep your money safe: • Guard your card. Make sure you know where it is at all times.

• Protect your PIN. Never tell anyone your PINs or passwords – not even the Police, bank staff, friends or family.

• Cover up. When entering your PIN number at ATMs and payment terminals, shield the PIN pad with your other hand.

More information about protecting your PIN and password is available here: https://www.nzba.org.nz/consumer-information/fraud-protection/how-to-protect-your-pin-and-password/ When shopping and banking online: • Only make payments on secure websites with a padlock symbol in the address bar.

• Don’t share your bank account login details, or password with anyone – not in person, online, over the phone, or in emails or texts.

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) where available. It provides an extra layer of protection on top of your password.

• Avoid public computers and Wi-Fi, e.g. in cafés and libraries, etc. They may not be secure.

More information on how to keep yourself safe from online scams is available here: https://www.nzba.org.nz/consumer-information/fraud-protection/how-to-keep-yourself-safe-from-online-scams/ If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, contact your bank as soon as possible.

ENDS

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