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For customer attention – how to protect personal data and securely save account access data


Regarding development of information technologies, and also desire of some persons to use these technologies for fraudulent purposes, we advise our customers to consider use and storage practices of their private information (passwords, PIN codes, internet bank access authorizations).


JSC „GE Money Bank” will never ask you to send by e-mail or enter into any internet surveys your internet bank user or any other private information.


Internet bank GE Online is a safe transaction tool, but we would like to encourage our customers to maintain security of their personal authentication information.


How can I know, if the internet site is operation safe?

  • Safe, encrypted site addresses usually start with https://, not http:// (look for suspicious warning signs)

  • Internet page authenticity can be assessed by checking it certificate

  • Always use the latest version of your internet browser

  • Protect your own computer locally

  • Install a industry-accepted anti-virus and firewall software on your computer


One of the common fraud types on the internet is phishing.

Phishing on-line (similar to fishing) is an attempt to acquire personal or financial information from computer users through e-mails or internet sites. The simplest scheme of phishing on-line starts with an e-mail message that might appear to come from a reliable source, for example, your bank or financial institution, a reliable on-line shop. They might include links to spoofed Web sites where you are asked to enter personal information, for example, account number or password. Later this information is used for identity theft.

/Source: Microsoft.com/


Phishing characteristics (one or more can apply):

  • E-mail is received from unknown/suspicious sender;

  • Unexpected or suspicious information or information that is relevant but comes from unknown sender;

  • Request for immediate action;

  • E-mail message contains suspicious link or attachment

  • A request to register or down/upload data (card PIN or CVV code, card number, user name and last name, expiration date, internet bank access codes, account number, password, etc.)

  • A request to “log in” to your account through a link provided in the email message


What to do when you receive an e-mail message with any of these phishing characteristics:

  • Never answer to such suspicious e-mail or do not click on a link provided in the message.

  • Immediately inform JSC „GE Money Bank” of such case, by calling the customer service to 1878, writing an e-mail to info@gemoneybank.lv or visiting the closest branch

  • Do not provide the requested data

  • If you have provided your data, then check your account status – ensure that there have been no suspicious transactions since you received an e-mail with phishing characteristics, change your password immediately and report your suspicion to JSC “GE Money Bank”.

  • Always be attentive when opening e-mail attachments, regardless of the sender. Do not open attachments you have not expected to receive.

How to protect yourself?

  • Treat every e-mail with suspicion, as everything can be falsified

  • Check your account status and statement regularly, to ensure that it is correct

  • Ensure that firewall and anti-virus systems work on your computer and if they are updated regularly

  • To inspect and install computer operational system updates (patches) on a regular basis

  • Do not visit unknown or suspicious internet sites, especially, by clicking on a pop-up window

  • Help protect yourself and other customers by reporting any suspicion without delay to JSC “GE Money Bank”

Other suggestions on your private information safety:

  • Do not write down passwords or PIN codes in places, where they can be easily accessed

  • Be careful when providing your personal information to third persons

  • Ensure that anti-virus applications are always updated and firewall is turned on, as there are many fraudulent applications that can be used to steal or destroy data that are important to you

  • Leaving your computer unattended, always lock your machine or log out (so every time you return, a password is requested), and attach laptop with a special security device (for example, the special security cable with a key), as laptop is a small device and can be easily stolen even from office;

  • Do not keep sensitive information without appropriate encryption in USB sticks, external drives or laptops, etc., as these devices can be lost or stolen and, if the data are not protected, anyone with a little knowledge in IT can access them and potentially use against you. It is very advisable to fully encrypt drives and external memory devices.

More information on protection of your personal data in your computer and devices, as well as general guidelines of safe internet use you can receive from your IT service provider.

How a person, who is phishing, got my e-mail address? Does it mean that there has been an access to bank’s e-mail system?

  • Our customers can be sure that we, as a financial institution, do our utmost to ensure data confidentiality and safety for each customer in line with our internal procedures, current legislation, general banking standards and good practice. We monitor, audit and test security of our systems regularly.

  • E mail addresses can be found out in various ways, for example, by sending spam, chain letters, opening e-mail attachments that are a special data theft program, by visiting unknown or suspicious web-pages (that use vulnerability of old browser versions and steal data from your computer), due to lack of anti-virus applications and also if old versions of programs are used, etc.

What to do, when an answer is provided to an e-mail with phishing characteristics and data are given?

  • If you have provided your internet bank authentication information, we advise you to change your internet bank password, code card and any other information that has become available to undesirable third person immediately.

  • Check your account balance – ensure that no suspicious transactions are executed, that you have not performed yourself.

  • If you have provided your credit card data, it is advisable to block it immediately and replace the card.

Here you can find information on actions in case you are suspicious that your personal data that are related to financial security have came into hands of undesirable persons


If you have any uncertainties regarding the aforementioned, please, turn to the specialist of the Bank by calling the customer service to 1878, sending an e-mail to info@gemoneybank.lv or visiting your closest branch.


Sincerely

GE Money Bank