How to protect your bank app, card and mobile money from fraud

Fraudsters want your PIN, your OTP and your phone. These habits make your money much harder to steal.

How to protect your bank app, card and mobile money from fraud

Most bank fraud begins with tricking the customer, not breaking the bank. A few firm habits can protect your account.

Never share these

  • Your PIN
  • Your OTP or one-time codes
  • Your card's CVV and full details
  • Your login password

Real bank staff will never ask for them, even if the caller seems to know your name or account number.

Secure your phone

  1. Use a screen lock and keep it on.
  2. Install apps only from official stores.
  3. Keep your phone and apps updated.
  4. Do not leave your phone unlocked with a stranger.

Banking safely

  • Open your bank's app yourself, instead of tapping links in messages.
  • Do not use public Wi-Fi for banking.
  • Switch on transaction alerts so you notice anything strange immediately.
  • Log out after use on shared devices.

At ATMs and shops

Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN, refuse help from strangers and keep your card in sight.

If something goes wrong

If you lose your phone, or suspect fraud, call your bank straight away using the official number, block the card, change your passwords and report the SIM loss to your network.

Verify unusual calls

If someone claims to be from your bank, end the call and call back using the number on your card or the official website.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share what you think.

Leave a comment

Your rating (optional)

Guest comments show after we have checked them. Sign in to comment instantly. Please be kind and keep it on topic.

Get every new post in your inbox

Subscribe with your email and we will message you as soon as a new post goes up on the EarnNaija blog. No spam, and you can unsubscribe any time.

Keep reading

Ready to take a look?

Creating an account is free. Every rate and fee is shown before you commit.

Create a free account