Internet Banking Users Reach 22m
By Alison Steed
INTERNET banking is at its highest level ever, with those banking online for their current account reaching 22m, according to data from the Payments Council.
With 41.5m regular internet users in the UK, that means more than half of internet users are using online banking as a main way of dealing with their current account in the UK.
The number using phone banking has fallen to 14.5m, down from a high of 16.1m in 2005, and last year nearly 27m adults used either internet or phone banking to deal with their bank account.
Checking account balances, and checking statements, are the main reason for using online banking, with around nine in 10 users saying this was the main reason for using internet banking.
Katy Worobec, Head of Fraud Control, said: “Online and phone banking has totally changed the way we manage our accounts, enabling us to keep a much closer eye on our finances outside of traditional banking hours. The chances of becoming a victim of online or phone banking fraud are low, but there are a number of common sense steps that people can follow to significantly minimise the chances of becoming a victim of fraud. Our new guide detailing this advice can be downloaded from www.financialfraudaction.org.uk."
Keeping login details and passwords safe a secure is essential to prevent fraud, with a common scam being for criminals to call up or email potential victims pretending to be from their bank and asking for PIN codes and passwords. When this is done by email, it is commonly known as ‘phishing’.
Ms Worobec added: "Online and phone banking customers should make sure they remain wary of unsolicited emails or calls from people claiming to be from their bank. You should never tell anyone what your PIN is and you should never enter personal details after accessing a website via a hyperlink in an email."
There is more information available at the Card Watch website.
Top tips to help avoiding being a victim of fraud
* Don't let your cards or your card details out of your sight when making a transaction.
* Destroy, preferably shred, any documents or receipts that contain personal financial information when you dispose of them.
* Do not keep your passwords, login details and PINs written down.
* Do not disclose PINs, login details or passwords in response to unsolicited emails claiming to be from your bank or the police. Your bank would never ask you for these details in this way.
* When entering your PIN in a shop or a cash machine use your free hand to shield the number from prying eyes or hidden cameras.
* Only divulge your card details in a telephone transaction when you have instigated the call and are familiar with the company.
* Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed.
* Register your cards with Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode.
* Access internet banking or shopping sites by typing the address into your browser. Never go to a website from a link in an email and then enter personal details.
* Shop at secure websites by ensuring that the security icon (locked padlock or unbroken key symbol) is showing in your browser window.
* Always log out after shopping and save the confirmation email as a record of your purchase.
Source: Payments Council
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