In recent years, bank card -related crimes and misconduct to bank accounts have been worryingly increasing. Recent data indicate that about 6,000 people have denounced cloning their bank cards in the last five years, a trend that raises serious concerns in financial security.
The Republican National Guard (GNR) revealed to the Lusa Agency, cited and between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2024, 5,884 crimes related to bank card cloning were registered. These situations affected a total of 6,050 victims, who saw their accounts committed due to these fraud.
The most affected districts were Porto, with 1,084 occurrences, Lisbon, where 777 cases were recorded, and Setúbal, with 643 victims. Also the districts of Braga and Aveiro were particularly reached, accounting for 634 and 548 cases, respectively.
Given the growing number of bank fraud, it is essential to adopt security measures to reduce the risk of card cloning. Small gestures can make a difference in protecting bank details and preventing financial losses.
How to avoid cloning bank cards?
Security in the physical use of the card
- Choose safe automatic boxes: Opt to use only multibans in busy seats or places. Before inserting the card, make sure there are suspicious changes in the slot or keyboard.
- Protect PIN Code: Cover the keyboard when entering the code as there may be hidden cameras or curious looks.
- Never miss the view: In face -to -face payments, require whenever the card is inserted into the machine in your presence.
- Use approximation payments (contactless): Whenever possible, prefer this method to prevent the card from being manipulated by third parties. Set a security limit to your bank to avoid high spending without permission.
Safety on online shopping
- Use virtual cards: Some banks provide temporary credit cards for online purchases, reducing the risk of cloning.
- Buy only on safe websites: Make sure the page has a HTTPS protocol and read reviews from other customers before entering your data.
- Activate strong authentication: Opt for validation methods such as 3D Secure, which requires SMS code or bank notification before confirming the purchase.
- Avoid storing card data on websites: Although it is more practical, storing sensitive information can facilitate computer attacks. Prefer to introduce data manually in each purchase.
Monitoring and Quick Response
- Activate Transaction Alerts: Many banks offer the possibility of receiving notifications whenever the card is used, helping to detect suspicious activities.
- Check bank movements frequently: A regular analysis of the account allows you to identify unknown transactions and act quickly.
- Block the card in case of suspicion: If you notice something out of the normal, immediately contact the bank and request the card lock. Most institutions allow you to do so through the bank app or customer support service.
The adoption of these practices can make a big difference in users’ safety, significantly reducing the risk of cloning and other types of bank fraud. Attention and prevention are the best defenses against these increasingly common threats.
Also read:
