Remain alert to online fraud and act quickly

As part of the European Cybersecurity Month, the Banco de Portugal will be sharing some tips with bank customers during the month of October on how to safely access banking products and services on the internet or via an app.

This week, we give you some tips on how to detect and respond to a potential online fraud situation.

 

Remain vigilant

1. Always follow the security procedures indicated by your bank to access home banking, use the app or make online payments.

If in doubt, do not carry out the transaction prior to clarifying the situation with your bank.

 

2. Set up alerts for your transactions.

Set up alerts for transfers and debits or other security measures provided by your bank.

 

3. Regularly check your bank account movements.

Contact your bank immediately if you spot unauthorised or unrecognised movements, using the contacts provided by it or the contact included in the list of payment card issuers.

 

4. If you receive suspicious emails, phone calls or text messages claiming to be from your bank and asking for some information, first check with your bank via its official contact channels.

Keep in mind that your bank will never request your access details for its home banking or app services by phone, email or text message.

 

If you suspect fraud

5. Act quickly.

Immediately request the cancellation of the credentials used to access your bank’s home banking service or app and, where applicable, your card.

Report the fraud to the nearest criminal police body (National Republican Guard, Public Security Police or Portuguese criminal police) or the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Keep in mind that you may have to pay up to 50 euros, if any unauthorised payment transactions are carried out before being reported to the bank.

In the event of loss, theft or misappropriation of credentials to access the home banking service or the app or if there was a misappropriation of the card and you have notified your bank, you won’t be obliged to pay whichever amounts are moved without your authorisation after having notified the bank.

In the event of fraud or gross negligence, you may be obliged to pay more than 50 euros.

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