The Romanian Association of Banks (RAB) and its member banks are launching today a public call for digital responsibility and vigilance, by providing the Romanians with recommendations to protect their personal and financial data, especially during the Easter holiday period, via the #DreptulLaBanking campaign. As a rule, during holiday seasons, both the online transaction volumes as well as digital crime increase significantly.
In Romania, the level of financial inclusion reached 71% by mid-2024. At national level, there are 22.4 million active cards and 57% of the financially-included population state that they make payments via Internet/Mobile banking. The Romanian Association of Banks and its member banks roll out comprehensive and on-going awareness campaigns with a view to prevent the fraud attempts faced by their customers. In a digital environment where perceptions can be manipulated, vigilance and critical thinking are essential for everyone’s safety.
Suspicious calls? Hang up!
Social engineering attacks are on the rise. Banks never request card data, bank account access passwords or confidential access codes. Any call requesting such data or manipulating individuals to go to their bank in order to contract a loan and withdraw cash should be immediately ended. Customers are advised to contact their banking institution through an official channel. Do not let yourselves be manipulated by those who call you, regardless of whether the scammers claim to be calling on behalf of the authorities or of banks.
Safe shopping
In order to avoid online traps, consumers must verify the authenticity of the websites used for their shopping. It is essential that the address begin with “https://”, that the closed padlock symbol be present in the navigation bar and that there be a genuine review section from other customers. Unknown stores or those that do not provide clear contact information should be avoided. Make sure that the suppliers are authorized and have a legitimate and consistent online presence by searching for and verifying store reviews from multiple sources.
Beware of “Easter Offers”
As holidays approach, scammers propose spectacular offers which seem hard to turn down. Such seemingly harmless campaigns are often launched via text messages, emails or social networks and can lead to the theft of banking data. Users are recommended to treat exaggerated discounts with suspicion and not access links from unknown sources, including those from chat platforms.
Payment protection
For the efficient protection of bank accounts, activating the two-factor authentication is recommended. This combines information that users know (password, PIN) with an element they possess (phone, SMS code) or a biometric characteristic (fingerprint, facial recognition). As such, the chances of attackers gaining access are considerably reduced.
Avoid the public Wi-Fi for your financial transactions
Using public Wi-Fi networks for financial operations should be avoided. These connections are insecure and can be easily intercepted. Using a VPN network or a personal mobile hotspot is a much safer solution.
Monitor your accounts
It is important for users to frequently check their banking activity in order to quickly identify any suspicious transactions. If irregularities appear, they should be reported immediately to the bank with a view to block unauthorized access.
Deepfake? Stay vigilant!
The deepfake technology is increasingly present in the online environment and can deceive even vigilant users. In order to avoid becoming the victims of manipulation, the Romanians are advised to pay attention to details such as the imperfect synchronization between voice and image, unnatural facial expressions or video content that seems too dramatic or spectacular to be real. Through social media posts, scammers expose individuals to fraud attempts related to Easter offers which seem to be promoted by influencers or by celebrities.
Don’t click, Don’t share!
The links received from unknown senders or via alarming messages should be avoided. These can lead to clone sites or to installing harmful applications. Avoid installing applications for investment purposes through which control can be taken over. Equally dangerous is the impulse to distribute unverified information; a simple gesture can fuel a chain of misinformation or fraud.
The #DreptulLaBanking campaign launched in 2020 by Romanian banks aims at enhancing the level of financial education among all the Romanians, regardless of age or social status, by offering access to essential knowledge about saving, money management, and protection in the digital environment.
The Romanian Association of Banks continues to develop programmes, actions and various types of content on behalf of its member banks, with a view to enhance the level of financial knowledge in Romania. The Romanian Association of Banks has been contributing to the development of the National Strategy on Financial Education and implements financial education programmes together with the authorities. The President of Romania awarded the Romanian Association of Banks with the ”Officer” rank on “Industrial and Commercial Merit” in recognition of its contributions to promoting economic and financial education by disseminating specific knowledge for developing responsible economic behaviours.