Identity Protection Tips

Introduction

Your phone rings. The caller ID says it's your bank. The person on the other end sounds professional, maybe even concerned. "We've noticed some unusual activity on your account. I just need to verify a few details to secure it." It feels legitimate. You want to help.

But here's what's really happening: you're about to hand over the keys to your account to a complete stranger. This is vishing – voice phishing – and it's become alarmingly common.

Pair that with identity theft, where scammers piece together bits of your personal information from social media, data breaches, or even your trash, and you've got a dangerous combination. But once you know their playbook, you can spot them coming from a mile away.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when fraudsters gain access to someone’s personal information and misuse it for fraudulent purposes.

• Fraudsters who successfully steal personal information – such as Credit Card numbers, driver’s licence numbers, ID numbers, or dates of birth – can cause significant financial loss within a short period of time.
• Armed with this information, identity thieves can use a victim’s bank accounts to apply for loans, transfer large sums of money, and shop online.
• Identity theft can last for months if the victim does not regularly check their statements, especially when fraudsters carry out transactions in small amounts that can easily go unnoticed.

How do I protect myself from identity theft?

Taking simple precautions can help reduce the risk of identity theft and protect your personal information.

• When disposing of documents, ensure that all documents containing personal information are shredded and not discarded intact.
• No financial institution, the police, or even QIB is authorised to ask for your PIN or Internet Banking password. This information belongs only to you and must be kept confidential.
• Ensure that you are not being watched while entering your PIN at ATM terminals or at merchant billing terminals.

What is vishing?

Vishing refers to attempts by fraudsters to collect confidential information over phone calls who claim to represent a bank try to obtain sensitive details from unsuspecting users.

These details may include account numbers, card numbers, CVV numbers, dates of birth, and other personal information. The fraudsters then use this information to carry out fraudulent activities on behalf of the user.

How does vishing occur?

Vishing follows a simple but deceptive process designed to gain a victim’s trust.

• Fraudsters claiming to be representatives of a bank call unsuspecting users and ask for confidential information. These details may include account numbers, card numbers, CVV numbers, or other personal information.
• Once the details are obtained, the fraudster carries out fraudulent activities on behalf of the user, resulting in financial loss to the victim.

How does QIB handle vishing?

QIB will never call customers to ask for their personal or confidential information. If the bank requires any clarification, customers are requested to visit their nearest branch.

Tips to avoid vishing

Staying cautious during unexpected phone calls can help prevent vishing attempts.

• Always be suspicious of phone calls from individuals asking you to confirm your banking details.
• If you receive a voice message requesting your banking information, do not call back the number or share any details. Instead, contact Customer Care at 4444 8444 and report the incident.

Will I receive phone calls from QIB?

Understanding how QIB communicates can help you identify fraudulent calls.

• You may receive a phone call from a telemarketing agent to ensure you are getting the most out of the services provided by QIB.
• At no time will you receive a call or email from QIB asking for your confidential banking information, such as usernames, PINs, or passwords.

Tips around PIN safety

Protecting your PIN is essential to keeping your accounts secure.

• Memorise your PIN or change it as soon as you receive the PIN mailer.
• Shred the PIN mailer after changing your PIN.
• Never mention your PIN to anyone.
• Never write your PIN on paper or keep it near your ATM, Debit Card, or Credit Card.

Important tips related to passwords

Using strong and secure passwords is key to protecting your Internet Banking account.

• Your Internet Banking password should be complex and difficult for others to guess.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters (such as $, !, @, #, %).
• Do not use passwords that can be easily guessed. Avoid using names or personal details, as these can be guessed by someone who knows you well.
• Do not use the same password for Internet Banking that you use to log in to your computer or email.
• Disable the autocomplete feature in your browser to prevent your username and password fields from being pre-populated.
• If you access Internet Banking from a shared computer, change your password immediately after completing your task.
• Never share your passwords with anyone, including family members, or anyone claiming to represent QIB.
• A password containing only numbers or only letters offers low security (for example, 126793 or security).
• A password containing a combination of letters and numbers offers medium-level security (for example, security123 or Sec123rity).
• A password containing a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (such as @, #, $) represents a strong password (for example, $ecur1Ty).

Conclusion

Trust your gut. If a call feels off, hang up and contact your bank directly using the number on your card – not the one the caller gives you.

Keep your passwords strong, your PINs private, and your personal details close to your chest. And here's something worth remembering: QIB (or any legitimate bank) will never call you asking for your PIN, password, or one-time codes. Ever.

If someone does, that's your red flag right there.