e-Banking Security Tips

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Security and Privacy Tips

Fraud is committed when criminals use your personal information to access your bank accounts, obtain loans, make purchases, rent an apartment in your name, get a job, get medical services, or otherwise use your identity for their own purposes.

 

How to Recognize Fraud

Recognizing fraud is not always easy but knowing what to look for can help you avoid becoming a target. Common types of scams will target you with emails (a technique known as phishing), text messages (smishing), or voice calls (vishing).

European Merchant Bank will never ask you to provide your personal number, online banking password, or any other sensitive information in response to an email or text. If you receive an email or text from European Merchant Bank and you are unsure if it is real, do not click on any links.

 

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is defined as follows:

“Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, personal number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.”

Identity theft can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of becoming a victim.

 

Your privacy and security are our top priority! Here are some ways we protect you:

  • Keeping your personal and financial information protected and secure through responsible information collection and processing.
  • Protecting against threats with a team that delivers comprehensive security.
  • Monitoring transactions for suspicious activity.
  • Alerting you to potential fraud through email or phone.

 

Here are some ways you can help defend yourself against fraud:

  • Keep your contact information up to date. If we spot an issue, we want to get in touch with you in the quickest way possible. Provide your mobile number, too, so we can alert you to any potentially fraudulent activity. Sign in and review your contact info.
  • Create strong, unique passwords that are 8 or more characters long and include a combination of numbers, symbols, and upper- and lowercase letters.
    • Avoid using personal information (such as your personal number, phone number, birthday, or pet or family member names) in your password.
    • Use a different password for every site. A strong password must be unique, not just a variation of passwords you use on other sites.
    • Avoid storing your passwords in unencrypted files, like the notes app on your phone.
    • No matter how strong a password may be, it is still at risk of being hacked. With two-factor authentication, the second level of security is added to strengthen your defenses against a breach.
    • Never share your password with anyone.
  • Use multifactor authentication (a method in which your device is granted access after successfully providing two or more pieces of information) whenever possible.
  • Protect your devices by keeping your phone, tablet, and computer up to date with the latest applications, operating systems, and antivirus software.
  • Keep your account information secure by going paperless, never writing your password on the sticky papers.
  • Never reply to emails, phone calls, or text messages that request your personal information.
  • When making online transactions, be sure the website uses secure encryption and use websites you know and trust.
  • Keep informed about privacy and security issues. Please review our Privacy Policy.

 

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft?

1. Contact European Merchant Bank.

If you think you are a victim of identity theft or identity fraud, immediately call the European Merchant Bank at +370 700 11200.

2. Contact all other creditors.

In addition to contacting European Merchant Bank, you must also promptly contact all other banks, financial institutions, and other creditors with whom you do business and let them know your identity has been compromised. Follow up phone conversations with an email or certified letter.

3. Close accounts.

Close accounts that you believe were tampered with or opened fraudulently. When you open new accounts, be sure to use different Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Choose new, non-obvious passwords that combine numbers, letters, and symbols and are hard for thieves to guess.

4. File a Police Report.

Complete a report about the theft at your local police department. Keep a copy of the police report in your files.

5. Dispute fraudulent transactions on existing accounts.

Review your credit reports for fraudulent transactions on your bank accounts, retailers, utility and companies, or other businesses.

6. Dispute fraudulent new accounts opened in your name.

Contact the fraud department of each business that reported a new account opened in your name by an identity thief.