Welcome to Barclays India

PROTECT YOURSELF

Handy Tips

Be careful when accessing your internet banking account using shared computers or public computers (at libraries or internet cafes)
Always remember to click “Log-Off” option to log-off Online Banking and close your browser when you have finished or lock your computer before you leave the computer idle.
Change your Internet banking passwords both log-in password and transaction password after your first log-in from a secured computer. It is also recommend changing your online banking passwords and ATM PIN periodically.
Keep your personal details secret. Never write down or disclose your account details, credit card details and passwords with anyone. Keep your credit card and ATM cards safe.
Do not hand-over your card to anyone even if they claim to be representatives from your Bank and always cut the plastic in four pieces across the magnetic stripe before disposal.
Ensure your personal documents are always secure. Do not hand-over the copies or original documents containing your personal data like your DOB, PAN number, financials, address proofs, etc to an unknown person. Always ask for identification.
Check your bank account and credit card statements regularly. If you notice any transactions you don't remember making on your account, report the discrepancy to the customer service department immediately.
Be alert for any scam emails like Phishing, 419 Nigerian scams, Lottery, Rewards etc and fake SMS alerts. Beware while opening emails or while replying to people and companies that you have not interacted earlier. Please note: Barclays Bank would never ask for your passwords or PIN numbers for validation or verification of your accounts.
Use common sense and trust your instincts – if something looks too good to be true
Do not respond to the offers or deals unless you seek clarification from your bank customer service and you are absolutely convinced that it is in your best interest.”
Check the ID card of the collector before making a payment against your loan/card account.
Check the receipt for hologram before making a payment against your loan/card account.

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Security Tips

Report a suspicious e-mail

What is Phishing?

Phishing involves an email message being sent out to as many Internet email addresses that a fraudster can obtain, claiming to come from a legitimate organisation such as a Bank, online payment service, online retailer or similar. The email requests the recipient to update or to verify their personal and financial information, including date of birth, login information, account details, credit card numbers, PIN numbers, etc. Some of the email messages include a threat that failure to update or validate will result in, for example, the account being frozen. The objective is to induce unsuspecting recipients, who happen to be customers of the legitimate organisation being intimidated, to respond to the email and to provide the information being requested.

The email will contain a link that takes you to a spoof web site that looks identical, or at least very similar, to an organisation's genuine site. In some cases, when the link in the email is clicked, the genuine site is accessed, but is overlaid with a smaller window with the spoof site, making it more believable. Clicking on a link may also download malicious software, known as "spyware" onto your computer which will record your use of the Internet and forward this information, and possibly a log of your keystrokes, to the fraudster. The fraudsters will use this financial information to compromise bank accounts, credit cards and other details.

To avoid getting phished: Please do not respond to email messages that request personal or financial information and never click on a link in such an email. We would not send unsolicited email messages asking our customers to update or verify their personal and security details. If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of the email, or if you think that you have been a victim of a phishing scam, you should contact the organisation in question immediately. You should, however, be careful to use the normal method you use to contact the organisation in question, rather than using any suggestions included in, or by responding to, the email.

Is your Computer protected?

Given below are guidelines to protect your computer:

Install up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer to safeguard against viruses being downloaded onto your computer
Use a Personal Firewall
Keep your browser and operating system up-to-date with Software Updates
Scan your computer for spyware regularly

Install up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer to safeguard against viruses being downloaded onto your computer

It is highly recommended that your computer be scanned from time to time for protection against viruses entering your computer through emails or browsed websites. Anti-virus software with updated signatures prevents viruses from infecting your computer.

A Trojan horse is a piece of software which appears to perform a certain action, but in fact, performs another, thus potentially enabling others to gain control of your computer system remotely, without your knowledge or consent. As a result, they can capture and transmit sensitive information stored on your hard drive.

Numerous anti-virus software packages are available in the market. If you have automatic updating feature in your software package then your software gets updated after the expiry period. To avoid the agony of restoring your computer system in case it gets infected, you simply have to install anti-virus software package.

Use a Personal Firewall

A computer is susceptible to a number of vicious encroachments and attacks through its internet connection, if it is not protected securely. You may be getting your internet connection through cable modem, digital subscribe line (DSL) or dial-up. The longer your computer and internet connection is switched on, the more the possibility of an unwanted identity penetrating your computer. This holds true more so for connections from cable modem and DSL users since these tend to remain in the 'always-on' mode.

At this juncture, a personal firewall comes to the rescue. It acts as a wall between your computer and the rest of the internet. It can be in the form of a hardware component, a software application or a combination of both. Firewalls stall malicious attacks and act as a filter for unwanted data entering your computer or private network. If an intruder tries to access your system harmfully, firewalls would warn you.

Keep your browser and operating system up-to-date with Software Updates

Where do security 'holes' or 'bugs' come from? They are contained in the software and the Internet activities itself that is in use. Hence, it becomes mandatory to check for security bulletins that alert you about them. To avoid any adverse effect on the software and Web browser you are using, it is crucial to visit the Web sites of your operating system and Web- browser vendors for software "patches" and "updates". Updates can be automatically made on to your system if it is so configured.

It is highly recommended that your computer and Internet connection be appropriately configured to ensure a secure internet banking session.

	Win NT	Win ME/2000	Win XP
Internet Explorer	5.5+	5.5+	6.0+

Scan your computer for Spyware regularly

Did you know that spyware and adware can keep a track on your Internet activity? In all probability, it would disclose information to disreputable sources. The best practice to adopt would be downloading free spyware removal programs available on the Internet.

As a precautionary step, you can shut down your computer or internet connection when not in use.

Mobile Scam Alert

What is Mobile Scam?

A Mobile scam usually begins with a harmless but attractive text message that would encourage the recipient to peruse further on their given instructions for a prize. The message (or sometimes, an advertisement) could also invite you to take part in a trivia competition, with a great prize on offer if you provide information as instructed (mostly personal information like Full Name, DOB, email ID etc) or answer a certain number of questions correctly.

The objectives of the scammers are to slowly take you into confidence and get you to compromise your personal data. Once the data is compromised, the scammers adapt their own avenue towards other frauds like identity theft or lottery frauds.

Examples

Some instances of the message types being sent across to customers via sms:

Your Mobile No has won you GBP 200.000 in the 2009 New Year Shell In't Mobile-Draw [PIN#012009]To claim,E-mail your Name & Pin# to E-Mail: claims01@live.co.uk
CONGRATS! YOUHAVE WON GBP 200000.00 IN THE 2009 [SHELL] INT'L MOBILE DRAW. TO CLAIM CONTACT CAPT.JOE, E-MAIL: claims01@live.co.uk

Warning Signs:

You receive a text message offering you the chance to win a prize by sending a return email as instructed or entering a competition or providing personal details.
The text message may inform you that you have won or could win a prize by participating in a trivia competition over responding on the mail or SMS.
The SMS normally does not display the sender’s details.
The first text message or the advertisement for the competition does not contain all the terms and conditions.

Protect yourself:

Always remember the saying : "If it looks too good to be true—it probably is".
Use your common sense: the offer may be a scam.
Contact your bank customer service and confirm on any such offers.
Do not reply to the offers or deals unless you seek clarification from your bank customer service and you are absolutely convinced that it is in your best interest.
Check your bank account and credit card statements when you get them. If you see a transaction you cannot explain, report it.
Only give out your personal details and information where it is absolutely necessary and where you have initiated the contact and trust the other party.
Treat your personal details like you would treat money: don’t leave them lying around for others to take.

Mobile Banking Security

Advance Fee Scams (Lottery / Inheritance / Lotto / Lucky Draw / Job related)

Advance Fee scams pertain to unsolicited E-mail messages or letters sent out by scammers to tempt people with promises of large cash pay-outs in exchange for a small advance payment as fee.

The email or the letter may appear to be from a foreign government, agency, or sweepstakes company that offers to transfer millions of pounds into the person’s bank account and sometimes the email will appear to come from a senior bank executive.

This email or letter you receive about your winnings/opportunity will ask you to respond quickly or risk missing this rare opportunity. You’re usually asked to pay some fees towards insurance costs, government taxes, bank fees, legal fees or courier charges to process your winnings. The fraudsters may also provide copies of documents, or cheques as ‘proof’ of authenticity, although these were produced fraudulently. Sometimes you’re also be asked to provide personal details to ‘prove’ that you are the correct winner and to give your bank account details so the ‘prize’ can be sent to you.

This is known as an ‘advanced fee fraud’ or a ‘419 scam’.

From time to time, fraudsters use the Modus operandi in different forms like Lottery, Inheritance, lotto, lucky draw and also offering jobs under the names of reputed organisations/Banks and well-known financial institutions to try to con people out of money.

These scammers make money by collecting ‘fees’ under different heads from you and stalling the payment of your ‘winnings’. They may also use the personal details to steal your identity or make off with money from your bank account.

Such scams have been around for many years but unfortunately, criminals still continue their efforts to defraud people. Use of the Internet is yet just another means that the criminals use, especially since it has made it easier for them to reach large numbers of potential victims around the world. However the best way to defend ourselves is to be more alert by understanding and following simple measures.

Warnings:

Unsolicited Email or letters received from any company /organisation which you have never interacted with.
The scammers create urgency by putting strict deadlines & clauses like failure to respond could lead to forfeiture or loss of the winnings, thereby trying to stop you from thinking thru the situation rationally.
You are asked to send a ‘fee’ or bank account details to collect your prize.
You are asked to provide your personal details along with bank details.
A post office (PO) box number, email address (free email service provider) or mobile phone number is provided as a contact point.

Protection Measures:

Do not assume that the sender’s email address is genuine. The fraudsters will often use an account at a free email provider, which you can tell by reviewing the 'properties' of the address.
Never pay any money or fee to claim prize money.
Never open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam), always delete them.
Do not click on any links in a spam email, or open any files attached to them.
Do not reply to a spam email, even to unsubscribe.
Never call a telephone number provided in the email or letter. – If a telephone number, account number or address is provided within the e-mail forward the details to the law enforcement authorities.
If the mail has purportedly come from the Bank, please check with the Bank’s customer service before acting on the mail.
If you have paid money, report the matter to your local police station.
Use common sense and trust your instincts – if something looks too good to be true.