Online Banking Fraud - Should We Be worried?

The prospect of banking online seems daunting at first with all the talk about various security issues. When you actually register with your bank and find out how versatile online banking is your worries retreat, until the next scare story breaks.

We should remember the internet is about exchanging information electronically with no single connection between us and our bank. Our information goes back and forth through a large network of computers owned by a vast array of organisations. To ensure our details are safe we need to rely on the banks making sure all of this information is securely encrypted.

So can we leave it to the banks?

Those who wish to perpetrate online banking fraud will look for the weak link. This is often us as the end user and so we need to be aware of potential problems.

As computer users we are aware of virus scares, when it comes to online security we should also be aware of the computer viruses cousin, the trojan. Trojans are small pieces of malicious software that are downloaded onto you PC and then go about doing unpleasant things such as capturing your information and sending it on to a third party who can use them for criminal purposes. Up to date anti-virus software should pick up and prevent such happenings.

Another way of stealing your bank details involves getting you to hand them over yourself. Unscrupulous people set up bogus websites that resemble genuine bank sites and then go on so called ‘phishing’ expeditions. They send out huge numbers of emails explaining that you need to update your details with your bank by visiting the link they give to their website. Those who fall for this very plausible con hand the crooks all the information they need.

So what can we do?

We all need to be alert while banking online. Always check the site is secure by looking for the closed padlock symbol in your browser.

• Middle Britain Lifestyle Not Possible For Many - By : Ben Needles
  
• Basic Steps To Manage Your Money - By : Ben Needles
  
• Brits Too Lazy To Save On Home Insurance - By : Ben Needles
  
• Pensioners Hit Hard By Credit Crunch - By : Ben Needles
  
• Information About Your Mis-Sold PPI - By : Jonathan L Walker
  
• Pensions in spain - By : Robert D. Thomson
  
• Ron Pollack on Investing, Family and Charities - By : Robert D. Thomson
  
• Bank Maintains Rate At Five Per Cent - By : Ben Needles
  
• Fund Manager Ron Pollack on Friends and Family - By : Robert D. Thomson
  
• How to Buy Gold Without Leaving the Comfort of Your Own Home - By : Ben Needles