This Bank Aware Customers Against Safe Banking Tips To Counter Cybercrimes

In honour of National Cyber Security Awareness designated in the ongoing month of October, Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) and Mumbai Police Cyber Crime have teamed together to increase awareness about safe banking practices to safeguard the populace from being a sufferer of fraud and cybercrime. The Mumbai Police Department and Kotak Bank have published two films about the #SafeBanking initiative in the public interest. The films warn viewers to be vigilant and take some basic steps to ensure safe banking services.

Kotak Mahindra Bank has mentioned in a statement that "The storyline of these films covers some of the often used cybercrime methods perpetrated by fraudsters, such as asking for sensitive card or bank account details under a false pretext or sending text messages or emails enticing the recipient to click on a suspicious or unauthorised link, and urges people to beware of such calls or messages and exercise caution. Further, to overcome the hesitancy of people in reporting such a crime and remaining a silent victim, the film encourages people to call the Mumbai Police Cyber Crime on the helpline number 100 to raise a complaint or report any suspicious activity. Links to the videos: Salon Video | Shoeshine Video. The videos will be played across digital and social media platforms."

Milind Bharambe, Joint Commissioner, Mumbai Police stated on the awareness that "The Mumbai Cyber Police has been consistently analysing cybercrimes that are taking place and we have noticed that cyber criminals are coming up with new ways to cheat victims. These criminals send suspicious links via a message or email that require recipients to click on them. These links lead the victim to phishing sites. Sometimes, fraudsters call asking for OTP or other personal details such as the CVV number of one's credit card. We must be very careful and not share any such confidential information with anyone. We also want to urge citizens that if someone does become the victim of a cybercrime, then please call on the helpline number 100 without delay."

Puneet Kapoor, President - Products, Alternate Channels and Customer Experience Delivery, Kotak Mahindra Bank on the joint initiative that "Cyber criminals or fraudsters target unsuspecting people by creating panic - your debit card has been blocked or your account has been suspended - or by tempting one with an offer - the promise of a job or converting credit card reward points to cash etc. Through our #SafeBanking initiative with the Mumbai Police Cyber Crime, we urge customers to be extra vigilant & cautious and simply think twice before sharing any information or clicking on a link. Banks do not ask for such information or send such messages and by following some simple rules, we can safeguard our confidential financial information and enjoy a safe & secure banking experience."

Here are the safe banking recommendations that customers should follow to prevent being a victim of cybercrime, according to an announcement from Kotak Mahindra Bank.

1) Do not share sensitive banking information such as passwords, card details, CVV, OTP, ATM PIN, UPI PIN, Mobile Banking PIN, Net Banking password or any such information with anybody. Kotak will never ask for this information.

2) Only click on links from trusted sources. If you receive an email or text message from an unknown sender asking you to click on a suspicious link, beware and ignore the message altogether. Never respond to a threat or get lured by offers of windfall gains. Banks do not send such messages.

3) You may receive an SMS/call to convert reward points, increase credit limit, get a cashback or a loan at 0% interest and the fraudster will then ask for card/bank details to process the same. Do not share any details, else the fraudster can get access to your account and make unauthorised transactions.

4) Develop a healthy suspicion for email IDs you have not seen before.

5) Refrain from downloading screen sharing apps, which will enable the fraudster to take control of your device, view confidential banking details and access your account and funds without your knowledge.

6) To receive money via UPI, one does not need to scan a QR code or enter a PIN or OTP.

7) Activate SMS and Email alerts to get instant updates on banking transactions. Read transaction related messages and pop-ups closely.

8) Always keep your contact details updated with the bank.

9) Always visit the bank's official website - www.kotak.com - for the bank's contact details.

10) Similarly, when searching online for contact numbers of e-commerce or any service providers, visit the official company website for contact details.

11) Keep your laptop/ mobile devices safe by regularly updating the software released by the system manufacturer.

12) Install reputed antivirus software to protect your system from malicious software.

13) Be wary of SIM cloning - if your SIM card becomes non-operational or gets deactivated suddenly, immediately contact your telecom service provider.

14) Use a Positive Pay System to reduce instances of tampering/alteration of cheques. Visit www.kotak.com to know more.