Shoppers warned vs cyberscams

Consumers are urged to be extra vigilant on their banking transactions this yuletide season, a period when cybercrimes proliferate along with the holiday rush.

In a press statement, British banking giant HSBC yesterday said shoppers should take extra care to protect themselves online during busy festive period.

From phishing to spoofing, various cyberscams typically coax victims to download malicious software or hand over personal information which then enables them to steal money, data and even identities.

Some of the tactics include: sending e-mails and text messages (SMS) containing bogus links; setting up fake websites; hacking insecure wireless networks, and phone calls pretending to be from a bank.

“Taking some basic steps will help people avoid cybercrime risk,” said Kris Werner, head of HSBC Philippines retail banking and wealth management.

“In the same way that you wouldn’t walk down your shopping streets with your wallet wide open, don’t share personal information or bank account details on social media, or in e-mails, and never reveal your PIN. At the same time, make sure your computers and smartphones are protected with the latest updates, antivirus software and have automatic locks enabled with password protection.”

HSBC listed various steps online shoppers can take to protect themselves:

• Do not overshare on social media and other websites as criminals use personal information such as birthdays, addresses and phone numbers to hack into accounts;
• Watch out for fake e-mails, SMS and websites;
• Never divulge bank PIN to anyone;
• Make sure wireless networks are secure by turning on all the privacy settings and password protection;
• Use passwords to automatically lock and protect mobile phones or tablets;
• Install antivirus software, and
• Destroy paper documents carefully.