The Romanian Association of Banks (ARB), the Romanian Police and the National Cyber Security Directorate warn of frequent mistakes that users make in the online environment and that can lead to financial losses, data theft or the compromise of personal accounts.
Some online mistakes can leave you without any money in your account. Archive photo
ARB, the Romanian Police and DNSC have drawn up a list of five of the most frequent mistakes that Romanians make when surfing the Internet and that can leave them without any money in their account.
Five online mistakes that can cost you money – and how to avoid them
1. Providing card details or security codes
Under the pretext of urgent problems, criminals ask for card details, the 3-digit security code on the back of the card (CVV) or passwords, which can lead to immediate financial losses. Technology now makes it possible to create messages and web pages almost identical to those of banks or institutions. Smart software and AI can replicate visual and linguistic elements, making fraud difficult to detect.
Tip: Never submit your card details or security codes upon request! Always check through the bank's official app or contact the institution directly. Card details must be used exclusively by the cardholder for online payments made on secure sites.
2. Payment on unsafe or unknown sites
“Too good to be true” offers and fake online stores are used to collect card details and steal money. AI-based tools can generate visuals, text and logos that perfectly mimic legitimate websites, increasing the chances that a person will enter personal or banking details.
Tip: Carefully check the name (address) of the site, also use an antivirus for safety, make sure it has a secure connection (https) – the lock is closed and look for information about the merchant before paying. You can also do a preliminary site security check with free online solutions like ScamAdviser.com
3. Disabling alerts and additional authentication
Without notifications and two-step authentication, fraud can go unnoticed until the money is already lost.
Tip: Turn on alerts for each transaction and two-step authentication in your banking apps.
4. The impulsive reaction to messages that create panic
Messages announcing blocked accounts, suspicious payments or emergencies are used to force impulsive decisions. Calls or voice messages generated with AI that can imitate the voice of the child or a close person, asking for “urgent” money, are increasingly appearing.
Tip: Hang up and call the person on the number you know, but not on WhatsApp. Direct verification is essential before sending money. You can set a password, a security keyword to avoid such threats.
5. The habit of clicking on links received through messaging applications, SMS or social networks, without a minimum of verification
AI can create texts and documents that look extremely convincing (including contracts or offers). Even if they seem to come from someone you know, they can be traps.
Tip: Do not access links directly from messages. Call the person who sent you the message or access the site by manually typing the known address.
Support for children, parents and teachers
ARB, DNSC and the Romanian Police point out that digital education must start at an early age. The safetyonline.ro platform offers resources dedicated to children and teachers, explanatory materials, guides and practical tools for the responsible use of technology and for understanding the risks in the online environment, including those associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
Teachers are invited to integrate these materials into classroom activities, and parents can find useful recommendations for discussions about safety, trust, and responsible digital behavior. More than 10,000 Romanians have already tested their safety knowledge and skills online through the quizzes available on the safeniaonline.ro platform. Those interested are invited to find out if they make these mistakes by accessing the knowledge test section.
According to the World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, 87% of world leaders have seen the rise of AI-related vulnerabilities, and 94% expect artificial intelligence to be one of the most important forces shaping the digital security landscape in 2026, including the evolution of online fraud tactics. On the other hand, recent statistics show that phishing and technology-assisted fraud remain among the most common causes of financial loss in the digital environment, underscoring the importance of education and responsible behavior in the use of technology.
