SCAM ALERT: 4 Ways Your Bank Account Can Be Hacked By Internet Fraudsters

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Just as African society is diversifying into a more sophisticated and digital one, so is crime taking a completely new dimension. Among the numerous changes that have plagued this technological era of the 21st century is the ability of fraudsters; otherwise known as ‘Yahoo Boys’ to hack into people’s bank accounts to swindle them of their money.

In this article on EKO HOT BLOG we would be looking at some ways you bank account can be hacked by internet fraudsters.

1. Fake or encrypted websites

Most websites are programmed to extort vital information from people which is later used against them.

For instance, most job websites are encrypted to report confidential information of applicants. In other not to fall into this gimmick, never surf a website that doesn’t begin with the “HTTPS” internet protocol.

Websites without this protocol are usually unsafe and are designed to feed their server with the information inputted into them. To also increase your level of security, always turn on your ‘firewall’ browser functionality in your Chrome, Microsoft Edge or whatever browser you are using. This helps to block your browser from giving confidential information without your permission.

2. Weak or guessable password

For people who prefer to use weak or single characters as passwords for their bank applications, you are increasing the chances of your account being hacked.

Most of these hackers are very good in their fraudulent practices, hence; they can easily manoeuvre their way into getting hints to your passwords via your name, date of birth or other personal data, that is the more reason you should increase your security level by choosing a password that will be very difficult to guess, especially the one that contains alphabets, letters and symbols.

3. Through text messages, emails or phone calls

Beware of emails, text messages or phone calls requesting sensitive information to help solve a bank issue. In this pattern, most fraudsters call their potential victims with the notion of helping them fix a problem in their account, thereby demanding sensitive information like BVN, ATM card details and others. If you get this sort of call from any individual or even an acclaimed bank representative, don’t be in a hurry to yield to their request but seek validation from your bank or their helpline.

4. Social media profile

Most fraudsters have reportedly defrauded their victims by extracting some of their social media profile information. For instance, they get clues to your sensitive bank information from your social media name, date of birth and other uploaded documents.

FURTHER READING

To advert being exploited through this means, avoid using information that corresponds with your bank details on your social media page. Adhering to these measures will reduce the possibility of having your account hacked.

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