Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) issued 14 reminders in June this year in response to the recent spate of bank deposit thefts, urging people to be vigilant and avoid becoming the next victim.
According to a previous statement issued by ABM, banks will take proactive measures to prevent fraud and unauthorised transactions. Public is also urged to protect their personal information and avoid downloading mobile software from unknown sources.
People are urged to check their bank status regularly and to contact their bank and report any irregularities as soon as possible. Banks will investigate whether the transaction is an unauthorised one.
14 reminders issued by the Association of Banks in Malaysia
1. Do not install any applications or Android Package Kit (.apk) files from unknown sources as these may be malware designed to steal personal details and online banking credentials.
2. Do not click on adware or suspicious websites sent via SMS/messaging services.
3. Do not change device permissions.
4. Verify the app’s permission settings and app author before installing.
5. Only download apps from official sources.
6. Install anti-virus software on your mobile device and operate it regularly.
7. Update your mobile device’s operating system (OS) and applications regularly.
8. Do not disclose personal details and/or bank credentials to unknown or unverified parties.
9. Do not disclose your Transaction Authorisation Code (TAC), Personal Identification Number (PIN) or online login username and password to others.
10. Do not click on any links to the bank’s website from unknown, suspicious or unverified emails; enter the bank’s website directly into the web browser section or click on the bank’s official application.
11. Beware of fake websites that are counterfeit and offer popular products or services. Such fraudulent sites often offer unbelievable “bargains” on products and often contain spelling errors.
12. Avoid using public or open networks for online banking services.
13. Make sure that the bank website or banking application you use is from an official source and verify its authenticity.
14. If in doubt, always check the bank’s official website or contact the bank’s hotline (indicated on the back of the credit card or on the bank’s website) directly for enquiries.
