The warning of the authorities: Easter, the activity of cyber criminals increase significantly
The Romanian Banks Association (ARB) and the member banks launch a public call for digital responsibility and vigilance and provide Romanians to protect personal and financial data especially during the Easter holidays.
Of Easter, the activity of cyber criminals increases significantly
The degree of financial inclusion reached 71% in Romania, in the middle of 2024. At national level there are 22.4 million active cards, and 57% of the financially included population states that they make Internet/Mobile Banking payments. The Romanian Association of Banks and Member Banks carry out wide and supported campaigns to combat fraud attempts that their customers face. In a digital space where appearances can be manipulated, the vigilance and critical spirit are essential for the safety of each one.
Suspicious calls? Close!
Social engineering attacks are increasing. Banks never request card data, access passwords to bank accounts and confidential access codes. Any call in which such data is required or in which people are manipulated to go to the bank to contract a loan and withdraw the cash must be concluded immediately. The client is advised to contact the banking institution through an official channel. Do not be manipulated by those who call you, whether fraudsters claim to call from authorities or banks.
Safe shopping
To avoid online traps, consumers must check the authenticity of the sites they use for shopping. It is essential for the address to start with “https: //”, there is the symbol of the lock closed in the navigation bar and a real section of reviews from other customers is present. Unknown stores or that do not provide clear contact data should be avoided. Make sure the suppliers are authorized and have a legitimate and constant online presence, looking and checking the store reviews from several sources.
Attention to the “Easter Offers”
Near the holidays, fraudsters propose spectacular offers, which seem difficult to refuse. Such seemingly harmless campaigns are often launched by SMS messages, emails or social networks and can lead to theft of bank data. It is recommended for users to treat exaggerated discounts with suspicion and not access links from unknown sources, including on chat platforms.
Payment protection
For effective protection of bank accounts, it is recommended to activate two steps. This combines information that the user knows (password, PIN) with an element that he owns (telephone, code by SMS) or a biometric feature (fingerprint, facial recognition). Thus, the chances of an attacker will get access are considerably reduced.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions
The use of public Wi-Fi networks for financial operations should be avoided. These connections are insecure and can be easily intercepted. The use of a VPN network or personal mobile hotspot is a much safer solution.
Monitor your accounts
It is important for users to frequently check their banking activity, to quickly identify any suspicious transactions. If irregularities appear, they must be reported immediately to the bank, to block unauthorized access.
Deepfake? Be vigilant!
Deepfake technology is increasingly present in the online environment and can even deceive vigilant users. In order to avoid becoming the victims of manipulations, Romanians are advised to pay attention to details such as imperfect synchronization, unnatural facial expressions or video content that seem too dramatic or spectacular to be real. Through posts on social networks, fraudsters expose people to fraud attempts related to Easter offers that seem to be promoted by influencers or celebrities.
No click, don't give share
Links received from unknown shippers or through alarmist messages should be avoided. They can lead to clone sites or install harmful applications. Avoid installing applications for investment purposes through which control can be taken. Equally dangerous is the impulse to distribute unverified information, a simple gesture can feed a misinformation or fraud chain.
