17 December 2021GABORONE - As the festive season gets under way, Stanbic Bank Botswana has advised banking users to make use of basic safety tips. This comes as part of a concerted effort to ensure greater financial security amongst Batswana, particularly given that December sees an increase in financial crime, with banking users most prone to being scammed and defrauded.The Bank advises customers and indeed all those with access to banking facilities to ensure they exercise greater caution and vigilance with their finances..Said Shathani Molefe, Stanbic Bank Botswana Head of Compliance, “Unfortunately, this is the prime preying period for fraudsters and scammers, and also a time when banking users tend to let their guard down, thus making them even more susceptible to being victimised. There are basic measures and practices one can observe to protect their finances.”.The Bank shares the followings tips this festive season:Be wary of offers for help at ATMs; do not accept any assistance unless it is from a bank officialInspect an ATM for anything suspicious before inserting your card. Do not allow for your card to be used in your absence at any pay point.Report all lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank. Measures designed to minimize loss can only be taken once the bank has been notified, so report any fraudulent activity or lost cards immediately.Report any unusual activities around an ATM to the bank. This could include anyone offering help, trying to look over your shoulder, or taking pictures in the area.Use a different machine if you feel uncomfortable about the ATM you are at. It is better to, as the saying goes, be safe than sorry.Do not share your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone. Not even a bank official has any reason to have this, and you need to ensure you guard against anyone ever seeing it.Many banking users fail to change their PIN upon receipt of their new bank card and end up carrying their card and PIN in their wallets or purse. Immediately upon receipt of a new card, visit an ATM to change the PIN to a number that only you will easily remember. This is a small but significant safety measure.Make use of the protective services your bank offers. Register for SMS alerts or ‘My Updates’ which will assist in instantly making you aware of all transactions taking place in your accountsExamine your monthly bank statements closely and keep an eye out for any unusual transactions/activities. Query any transactions you do not recall or that appear odd given your usual banking patterns.For your security & convenience, please inform your bank if you plan to use your Debit/Credit Card outside Botswana..“We need, as banking users and as a community, to ensure we empower ourselves with the necessary knowledge and practices to safeguard ourselves against potential perpetrators. These are simple safety and security tips and yet they can spell the difference between financial safety and peace of mind or a holiday period ruined. This festive, we encourage all Batswana to be alert and vigilant, for yourselves and your loved ones. Allow yourself, through simple practices, to have an uninterrupted, joyous holiday season,” concludes Molefe.ENDS.
17 December 2021GABORONE - As the festive season gets under way, Stanbic Bank Botswana has advised banking users to make use of basic safety tips. This comes as part of a concerted effort to ensure greater financial security amongst Batswana, particularly given that December sees an increase in financial crime, with banking users most prone to being scammed and defrauded.The Bank advises customers and indeed all those with access to banking facilities to ensure they exercise greater caution and vigilance with their finances..Said Shathani Molefe, Stanbic Bank Botswana Head of Compliance, “Unfortunately, this is the prime preying period for fraudsters and scammers, and also a time when banking users tend to let their guard down, thus making them even more susceptible to being victimised. There are basic measures and practices one can observe to protect their finances.”.The Bank shares the followings tips this festive season:Be wary of offers for help at ATMs; do not accept any assistance unless it is from a bank officialInspect an ATM for anything suspicious before inserting your card. Do not allow for your card to be used in your absence at any pay point.Report all lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank. Measures designed to minimize loss can only be taken once the bank has been notified, so report any fraudulent activity or lost cards immediately.Report any unusual activities around an ATM to the bank. This could include anyone offering help, trying to look over your shoulder, or taking pictures in the area.Use a different machine if you feel uncomfortable about the ATM you are at. It is better to, as the saying goes, be safe than sorry.Do not share your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone. Not even a bank official has any reason to have this, and you need to ensure you guard against anyone ever seeing it.Many banking users fail to change their PIN upon receipt of their new bank card and end up carrying their card and PIN in their wallets or purse. Immediately upon receipt of a new card, visit an ATM to change the PIN to a number that only you will easily remember. This is a small but significant safety measure.Make use of the protective services your bank offers. Register for SMS alerts or ‘My Updates’ which will assist in instantly making you aware of all transactions taking place in your accountsExamine your monthly bank statements closely and keep an eye out for any unusual transactions/activities. Query any transactions you do not recall or that appear odd given your usual banking patterns.For your security & convenience, please inform your bank if you plan to use your Debit/Credit Card outside Botswana..“We need, as banking users and as a community, to ensure we empower ourselves with the necessary knowledge and practices to safeguard ourselves against potential perpetrators. These are simple safety and security tips and yet they can spell the difference between financial safety and peace of mind or a holiday period ruined. This festive, we encourage all Batswana to be alert and vigilant, for yourselves and your loved ones. Allow yourself, through simple practices, to have an uninterrupted, joyous holiday season,” concludes Molefe.ENDS.
