Security Measures When Calling Your Bank

Telephone banking fraud is a favorite among criminals. Frauds prefer to get sensitive information via the phone because the victim rarely has time to think through the questions and by the time one realizes they have talked too much, it is often too late. Therefore, before you make that call or receive a call back, here are some things you should always remember.

Always Use an Authenticated Number

Frauds are known to give out telephone numbers that look a lot like your bank number. Therefore, before you call the Co-op Bank, be sure to have the right number. If you are looking for a telephone number of your local branch (as opposed to the national contact), be sure to get it from a secure site. There are so many websites today masquerading as authentic bank sites. To get you started on the right path, you can use the Co-op Bank Helpline 0844 850 0134.

Be Careful Of the Information You Give

It is one thing to get the right number and another to be cautious of the information you give over the phone. For starters, your phone could be tapped or there could be someone listening to your conversation especially if you are in a public place or a fraud could be spoofing the authentic number.

When on phone, do not give confidential information such as your ATM card PIN, your social security number and such. If you are reporting a stolen credit card that you want locked, you may be required to provide information that proves you are the authentic card holder. While some of the information may be sensitive, the bank staff will be sure to ask for information that will contribute to identity theft. This means that they may ask for partial credit card number and partial ID number but will never ask for full information such as your full card number, PIN and passwords and so on. Always be on the lookout for suspicious questions.

Listen Carefully To the Person You Talk To

When calling the bank, the first thing that the staff does is to give their proper identity. The staff should clearly say their name, bank name and branch before they even ask you to state your concern. Anyone who does not volunteer this information should be treated with suspicion.

Additionally, if the person pressures you to give information by creating some sort of urgency without proper identification, it is wise to trend with caution. In most cases, the sense of urgency is created to confuse your mind into worrying instead of raising suspicion. And if you suspect any number, hang up immediately and call someone else before you call the bank.

Keep In Mind

Security is a shared responsibility between your bank and you. Co-op Bank has placed adequate measures to protect your data, make sure you are alert and do your part to avoid being scammed.

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