How to protect yourself from fraud and scams
Safer banking practices are an essential tool to protect yourself from fraud and to prevent criminals from accessing your accounts.
We recommend that all of our customers follow these guidelines to remain safe and secure when banking online or using your card in public.
- educate yourself on the current scams
- don't download any free software on your computer unless you're certain it's safe
- use anti-virus software, and make sure it's up-to-date
- change your passwords regularly
- don't respond to unsolicited emails requesting information, and don't follow any links in them either
- make sure you're on a secure website before submitting banking or other sensitive information. Secure websites begin with 'https://' instead of 'http://' They'll also contain a padlock icon on the address bar
- never send your card details through email
Keep your personal details safe
- don't lend or share your card information with anyone else
- change your card PINs regularly
- don't keep your card together with your PIN
- don't allow merchants to take your card out of your sight for an extended period of time
- contact us as soon as you spot an unrecognised transaction on your account
- use different PINs for different cards
- PINs should never be shared for any reason
Ensure your contact details are up to date
Ensure that your email address and phone number are up to date so we can verify purchases and contact you if we find any suspicious transactions. You can update your details by sending us a secure message through online banking.
Check your statements on a monthly basis
You should carefully review your statements on a monthly basis to identify any unknown transactions. You can download a paperless version of your statement using online banking. If you notice a transaction that you don't recognize, contact us by calling our contact center on 299-5518.
Make sure your software is up to date
It's harder for viruses to infect updated software. The criminals who create viruses take advantage of software bugs to infect computers. Software companies fix bugs with free, downloadable updates. So it's a good idea to install updates for your software as soon as they become available.
Just be wary of fake emails about bogus updates. Only use the update software that comes with your computer – don't click on links in emails.
You'll also want to make sure you're always using the most up-to-date web browser. Modern browser software adds a layer of protection against fake websites. So when you're looking at websites, your browser can warn you if you're visiting a fake or suspicious website.
Install IBM Trusteer Rapport
Get an extra layer of protection when you bank online. HSBC recommends that you install IBM Trusteer Rapport software from IBM Trusteer. It's free, easy to install and simple to use. It works with the security software you already have to make online banking safer.
Check your privacy settings
If you use social networking websites, double-check your privacy settings to make sure you only share personal information with people you trust.
On these sites, you tend to share personal things about yourself. Anything from your mother's maiden name to the name of the first school you went to, your address, birthday and telephone number can be found on social media. And all this information is useful to people who want to steal your identity or break into your accounts.
Sign up for card alerts
With HSBC Credit Card Alerts, we’ll notify you of activity on your card with a simple email. If you notice any suspicious transactions or activity let us know by calling our 24/7 contact centre immediately on 299-5518 and we’ll investigate it for you.
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Disclosure
Issued by HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, of 37 Front Street, Hamilton Bermuda, which is licensed to conduct Banking and Investment Business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.