These are the main types of scams that the Banco de la Nación warns about: how to identify them?

He National bank periodically issues warnings about the increase in fraudulent activities, urging its users to remain alert. The institution aims to reinforce the security of financial operations and, to this end, shares detailed information on the most frequent strategies used by criminals, highlighting the crucial role that clients play in preventing these crimes.

In order to safeguard the resources and personal information of its clients in the face of the growing wave of frauds, the bank emphasizes that, although cutting-edge technologies have been adopted to identify and block criminal acts, the fight against fraud also requires joint efforts with its users. Therefore, below check which are the main scams and take note of recommendations to avoid falling into the hands of scammers.

Lebanese lasso

This type of fraud is carried out in ATMs, in which criminals install an additional mechanism in the slot intended for inserting cards. Then, under the guise of offering assistance, they approach users with the aim of viewing their PIN code, persuading them to enter their password. When the card cannot be recovered by the customer, who assumes that it has been retained by the cashier, he leaves the place. At that moment, the criminals proceed to remove the card using the previously installed device and, having obtained the PIN, they carry out money withdrawals or fraudulent transactions.

How to prevent?

• Carefully inspect the slot for foreign devices before using the ATM.
• Reject any offer of assistance from strangers while using the ATM.
• Please contact customer service immediately if you detect any abnormalities during the transaction.
• Avoid accepting help from strangers near ATMs.
• If you witness any suspicious activity, press the cancel operation key immediately.

Card change

While using ATMs, users may be approached by individuals who, under the guise of offering help, trick the victim into replacing their bank card with another of the same bank. This situation worsens when an accomplice, taking advantage of the distraction, observes and memorizes your secret key. With the card and the key in their possession, they proceed to make money withdrawals and fraudulent transactions.

How to prevent?

• Keep your secret key confidential; do not reveal it to anyone.
• Avoid accepting help from strangers while using the ATM.
• Do not allow your bank card to leave your field of vision at any time.
• When you finish the operation at the ATM, make sure that the card you withdraw is yours.

Card cloning

This type of fraud occurs when individuals take advantage of the moments when card payments are made in stores. They use a small device, called ‘skimmer‘, to capture the information from the card’s magnetic stripe. Then, stealthily, they observe and memorize the owner’s PIN. With this data, they are able to manufacture exact replicas of the card, which they use to make unauthorized purchases or transactions.

How to prevent?

• Inspect ATMs for unusual items on the card reader.
• When entering your PIN, be sure to hide the keyboard with your other hand to prevent your information from being displayed.
• Don’t lose sight of your card, even if you are paying with wireless POS.
• Keep all receipts of transactions to make comparisons with the movements in your account statement.

Payment over the counter with fake bills

In this situation, a customer makes a cash withdrawal at the counter and, after a while, returns saying that he received counterfeit bills during the transaction. Typically, seniors are often tricked out of banking institutions by scammers.

How to prevent?

• Check the authenticity of the cash before leaving the window
• If you detect anomalies in the banknotes received, immediately inform the bank staff.
• Carry out withdrawal operations in the company of a family member or someone you trust.

The winning call

Through a telephone communication, the consumer about a supposed prize or financial reward. To make the benefit effective, the person is required to make a deposit or bank transfer within a short period of time. If this requirement is not met, the supposed incentive will be returned. The consumer then proceeds to make the payment, which is immediately withdrawn by the criminal. This can be represented in the following:

• Payment requests for alleged accrued rights.
• Request for donations for victims of natural disasters.
• Promises of prizes from telecommunications companies, including sums of money and electronic items.

To avoid falling for these scams, it is recommended not to make deposits or transfers to unknown individuals. It is advisable to consult with the staff of financial institutions to clarify any questions. Additionally, it is suggested to check directly with the institutions supposedly responsible for granting the awards, using official and verified contact numbers.