Safe Banking - do's & don'ts

1. Do not open spam mails. Be especially cautious of e-mails that:
   1. Come from unrecognized senders.
   2. Ask you to confirm personal or financial information over the Internet and/or make urgent requests for this information.
   3. Are not personalized.
   4. Try to upset you into acting quickly by threatening you with frightening information.
2. Do not click on links, download files or open attachments in e-mails from unknown senders. Be cautious even if the e-mail appears to come from an enterprise you do business with. It is a good practice to call up the concerned to confirm in case the e-mail is unexpected.
3. Communicate personal information only via secure web sites. In fact:
   1. When conducting online transactions, look for a sign that the site is secure such as a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a "https:" URL whereby the "s" stands for "secure" rather than a "http:".
   2. Also, check if the website address is correct before conducting online transactions.
4. Protect your computer by installing effective anti-virus / anti-spyware / personal firewall on your computer / mobile phone and update it regularly.
5. Check your online accounts and bank statements regularly to ensure that no unauthorized transactions have been made.
6. Do not disclose details like passwords, debit card grid values, etc. to anyone, even if they claim to be bank employees or on e-mails/links from government bodies like RBI, I.T. Dept., etc
7. Register for SMS alerts to keep track of your banking transactions.
8. If you have to share your mobile with anyone else or send it for repair/maintenance
   1. Clear the browsing history
   2. Clear cache and temporary files stored in the memory as they may contain your account numbers and other sensitive information
   3. Block your mobile banking applications by contacting your bank. You can unblock them when you get the mobile back.
9. Do not save confidential information such as your debit/credit card numbers, CVV numbers or PIN's on your mobile phone.
10. Do not leave your cheque book unattended. Always keep it in a safe place, under lock and key.
11. Whenever you receive your cheque book, please count the number of cheque leaves in it. If there is a discrepancy, bring it to the notice of the Bank immediately.
12. Your card is for your own personal use. Do not share your PIN or card with anyone, not even your friends or family.
13. "Shoulder surfer" can peep at your PIN as you enter it. So stand close to the ATM machine and use your body and hand to shield the keypad as you enter the PIN.
14. Press the 'Cancel' key before moving away from the ATM. Remember to take your card and transaction slip with you.
15. If your ATM card is lost or stolen, report it to your card-issuing bank immediately.
16. While talking on phone never disclose:
    1. 4 digit ATM/IVR PIN
    2. 6 digit 3D secure PIN
    3. OTP password word
    4. Internet banking password
    5. CVV ( Card Verification Value )
17. ON-Screen Keyboard: This would be the easiest way to protect your password from being recorded by key-loggers, especially at public terminals. All banks have this option available to input username and password.
18. Random Passwords: Use a combination of random letters and numbers as words, names and phrases for your Password.
19. Do Not Follow Links: Always type in the web address (URL) to access your bank's website. Never click on a link from an e-mail you get.
20. Be Secure: Keep your operating system and browser up-to-date with the latest security patches. Install these only from a trusted website.
21. Keep your passwords, Personal Identification Number (PIN) and card numbers confidential.
22. Look for the lock icon: Before entering personal information on a website, look for the "lock" icon in your browser. A closed lock or padlock indicates that the website you are on is secure.
23. Use a firewall to protect your computer.
24. Install Security Updates: You should download and install security updates regularly or configure your operating system to automatically check for new updates.
25. Change your password regularly: For the first time you login to your internet banking account, you will need to use the password provided by the bank. However, you need to change this password in order to keep your account safe. In addition, keep changing your password at regular intervals. More importantly, keep the password confidential at all times.
26. Do not share your details with anyone: Your bank will never ask for your confidential information via phone or email. So whether you get an apparent phone call from the bank or an email requesting your details, do not give out your login information.
27. Keep checking your savings account regularly: Check your account after making any transaction online. Verify whether the right amount has been deducted from your account. If you see any discrepancies in the amount, inform the bank immediately.
28. Always use licensed anti-virus software.
29. Never leave your computer unattended once you have signed in to online banking.
30. After completing your transactions, ensure that you sign out of online banking, clear your cache, and close your browser.

Safe Banking Phishing Info