In 2021, internet banking fraud increased 52% compared to 2020, according to the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (Condusef). That is why it is essential that cardholders take care of their information and remain alert to any suspicious movement in their accounts.
Among the scams that they could experience is the emptying of their bank accounts, in case this happens, we tell you what you should do.
According to the Condusef, cybercriminals who carry out this type of fraud use the network to carry out illicit transactions, many of these times, taking advantage of the ignorance or lack of care that people have when using online financial services, becoming a Easy target for scammers.
If you fall into the trap, with your data they can make purchases or request credits in your name, make transfers and even empty your accounts.
What to do if money is stolen from my account
- Call those financial institutions or commercial establishments where you have accounts and report your situation to avoid further damage. Try to collect as much evidence as possible.
- Submit your complaint to the Public Ministry with the same evidence you collected. In the Condusef you can present the claim for the affectation suffered and receive the necessary advice to block your Credit Bureau and initiate the corresponding complaint before the Public Ministry of the locality, to avoid possible legal repercussions and keep your rights safe.
- Request your Special Credit Report. If you identify something abnormal, notify the Credit Information Society (SIC) immediately.
- Change the security measures of your account and others that you have.
How to avoid falling for these types of scams?
The Condusef lists the following preventive measures to avoid identity theft:
1. Statement of Account or Consultation of Movements: Check them constantly to identify movements that you do not remember having made, in which case it will be necessary to go to the Condusef or to the financial institution to rule out identity theft.
2. Passwords: Use passwords that are not related to personal data such as dates of birth, telephone numbers or family names; use uppercase, lowercase letters and numbers mixed.
3. Disposal of documents: When disposing of documents that contain personal or financial information or expired credit or debit cards, destroy them thoroughly.
4. Safekeeping of Documents: All personal documents or electronic files, as well as PIN, password and dynamic keys must be kept in a safe place to prevent strangers from having access to them.
5. Emails: Any message that is suspicious or asks for personal or financial information should be deleted. It is better not to open them and inform your internet provider to help eradicate them.
6. Connection to websites: Never enter your passwords, especially banking, to a site that was reached by email chat. Go directly to the official address of the financial institution.
7. Use of Passwords: Never send your passwords and PIN by email and never share them with anyone.
8. Home Correspondence: If you receive information or invitations to give personal data, from financial institutions or commercial establishments in exchange for promotions, offers and gifts, it is better to discard them.
9. Secure Computers: Do not use public computers to make bank transactions or purchases online. Your information can be recorded in them with the use of malicious software.
10. Internet purchases: Make sure that the site you visit is completely safe and reliable. The supplier must inform his identity, legal name, sales and privacy policies, as well as data on his physical location.
