Security and Banking Safety Tips
- Sharing your Internet Banking login credentials, card information, PIN, or token codes with anyone can give them full access to your account. LOTUS Bank will never request these details through any form of communication.
- Keep your ATM cards secure and never disclose your personal identification number (PIN) to anyone. Avoid writing down your Card numbers and PINs. Instead, commit it to memory.
- Recognizing a phone number or email address doesn’t guarantee its authenticity. Be cautious with unsolicited contacts.
- When making transactions at an ATM or Point of Sale (POS) terminal, shield your PIN by using your hand or body to prevent others from viewing it.
- Create strong, unique passwords for your Internet Banking account. Change them periodically.
- Regularly review your bank account statements and transaction history to ensure they reflect only activities you’ve initiated. Report unfamiliar transactions to the bank immediately.
- Subscribe to SMS or email alerts to keep track of account activities in real time.
- Always access LOTUS Bank’s Internet Banking service directly through the official website at www.lotusbank.com
- Be cautious of fraudulent websites that mimic LOTUS Bank’s online presence. Verify the URL before entering your login information.
How to Identify Fraud
As the first line of defense, your awareness is crucial in preventing online fraud. Learn to detect and avoid scams with the following tips.
Suspicious Emails
Many scams start with emails that look legitimate but aim to deceive you into revealing personal information or making payments. These emails, known as "spoofed" emails, often ask you to update account details via fake websites. LOTUS Bank will never request personal or financial details via email. If you receive such emails, do not respond or click any links.
Fake Websites
Fraudsters may create websites that mimic LOTUS Bank’s official site. These fake sites are designed to steal your login and card details. Always verify the website URL to ensure you’re on the correct LOTUS Bank platform.
Phishing Scams
Phishing involves fraudulent emails or pop-ups that mimic legitimate sources, urging you to update or verify account information. These scams often redirect to fake websites that capture your details or infect your device with malware. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, and always verify the source of such emails.
Unauthorized Redirects (Pharming)
Pharming occurs when you enter a web address but are unknowingly redirected to a fraudulent website that mimics a legitimate one. These sites are designed to steal sensitive information, such as your banking details and login credentials. Always double-check URLs and ensure you’re visiting LOTUS Bank’s official website. Report any unexpected redirections.
Note that legitimate companies will not call you to verify your personal or card information, PIN, or to request that you transfer funds or process transactions to protect your account. Be cautious of such requests and report them immediately.
Card Skimming
Fraudsters use skimming devices to steal card information from ATMs or other card readers. These devices capture the data on your card's magnetic stripe, enabling unauthorized transactions. Be cautious when using your cards on card reader devices.
How to Stay Safe:
- Avoid ATMs or card readers that appear tampered with and report any irregularities to LOTUS Bank.
- Memorize your PIN and do not share it with anyone.
- Review your bank statements regularly and report any unauthorized transactions to LOTUS Bank immediately.
Report Lost or Stolen Cards to LOTUS Bank’s Card Services promptly at [Phone: 0700 56887 2265 (0700 LOTUS BANK). Email: support@lotusbank.com].
Password Security
Your password is a critical component in protecting your online account and personal information. When accessing LOTUS Bank’s internet banking, your username and password are used for verification and authentication. To ensure your data remains secure, follow these guidelines for creating and managing strong passwords.
Do's
- Minimum of eight (8) characters length.
- Include both letters and numbers.
- Ensure the use of special characters where possible (e.g., !, @, #, &).
- Use a mix of both upper- and lower-case letters.
- Combine or misspell words for added security.
- Shield your hand when typing your password.
- Change your password regularly.
Dont's
- Avoid using names.
- Do not use personal information (birthdates, addresses, etc.).
- Refrain from using common dictionary words.
- Never write your password on a sticky note or store it visibly.
- Do not keep it in easily accessible places like drawers or diaries.
- Avoid using the same password across multiple applications.
- Do not recycle old passwords.
- Never send your password via email or SMS.
- Do not share your password with others.
Card Security
- Sign the signature stripe on the back of your credit card as soon as you receive it.
- Never let anyone else use your card.
- Keep your card in a safe place.
- Don’t let your card bend or get scratched.
- Keep your card away from magnetized objects and phones.
- Get your card back anytime you use it.
- Keep your card transaction(s) and ATM receipts to check against your statement.
- Read correspondences from your bank before discarding as they may contain an important card account information and not just marketing material.
Online Transactions
- Make sure the online shop is reputable. Get more information if unsure.
- Check if the online shop has a Return and Refunds policy.
- Use a secure browser connection when entering card details.
- Check that the site URL begins with “https” or look for a locked padlock or unbroken key symbol at the bottom right of your browser window.
- Don’t make your password/CVV easily identifiable and don’t disclose it to anyone.
- Print out a copy of the transaction record for any online purchase you make.
Fraud Prevention/ Detection
- Check your account balance regularly.
- Call us immediately on 0700 56887 2265 (0700 LOTUS BANK). Email: support@lotusbank.com, if you suspect fraudulent transactions.
- Keep your card in a safe place where no one else has access to it.
- Always keep your card in sight to ensure no one copies your card details (to avoid skimming/cloning)
- Never send your Credit Card number by email
- The Bank will never ask you to update your card details online or via email.
- Report any request to do so immediately to the Bank.
Phone Transactions
- Don’t give your card details when you have initiated a call to a company you are not familiar with.
- Always keep your card in sight to ensure no one copies your card details.
Pin Protection
- Memorize your PIN and don’t ever write it down.
- Never tell anyone else your PIN.
- Don’t choose a PIN that is easily associated with you e.g. your birth date.
- Don’t let anyone see your PIN when using ATMs or POS.
- Change your PIN periodically, and if you think it may have been compromised, change it immediately.
- Use a different PIN for different cards.
NOTE
If you suspect your Account, Card, PIN, Password, and any other details have been compromised, please contact us immediately at
Phone: 0700 56887 2265 (0700 LOTUS BANK).