Criminals can use fake advertising and websites to lure you into providing your debit card information. Once you have either, entered your debit card details to authenticate a purchase or provided a One Time Passcode (OTP) to complete the payment, the fraudster / fake website now has stolen your card details and can spend your hard-earned money.
Here are some tips for recognising when a website isn’t all that it may seem and how you can keep your debit card details safe online.
Spotting Fake online retailers
- Look for a ‘padlock’ symbol in the address bar or browser.
- This normally indicates the site is encrypted so your activity can’t be intercepted.
- This should be combined with other checks as fraudsters can copy or buy these padlocks, so it isn’t a guarantee the website is safe.
Look closely at websites before you use your Debit Card
- Are there any grammar or typo errors?
- Have they a registered business address?
- Have they a good returns policy?
- Are there positive Google reviews?
If anything looks unusual, DO NOT make a purchase from them!
Review the social media & contact information:
- Are there genuine followings and legitimate posts?
- Do they provide a physical phone number and email address?
- Try a quick call to test the customer service to see if the company exists by speaking with a representative, if possible, send an email, automated response or bounce back? Be aware, if you receive an automated response or bounce back be on alert this may be a fraudulent website?
KEY ADVICE: ENSURE you use trusted websites when shopping or transacting online. If the price is too good to be true, trust your instincts, it’s likely to be a scam!
If you believe you have used an untrustworthy or fake website, or if you have any concerns regarding your Current Account or Debit Card activity, contact Credit Union Card Services on +353(1)6933333.
For more information, please visit https://currentaccount.ie/support/card-safety-guidelines/