Safe Banking Guidelines

At Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, we don’t just protect your money – we protect your peace of mind. In today’s digital age, where convenience and risk co-exist, ensuring the safety of your financial information has never been more important. While we’re committed to securing your online transactions, you can also take simple yet powerful steps to safeguard your account. From updating your passwords to avoiding phishing scams, working together makes banking not just easy but secure.

Report any suspicious online activity by dialling 1930 for immediate fraud assistance.

  • Bank Online Safely
  • Safe Mobile Banking
  • Account Protection
  • Safe Online Shopping
  • Avoid Online Frauds

Best Practices for Online Banking Safety

Here are essential tips to ensure your online banking activities are secure:

  • Avoid accessing internet banking from shared or public computers, such as in libraries or cafés.
  • Always log out and close your browser after completing your online banking session.
  • Disable the 'AutoComplete' feature on your browser to prevent it from saving sensitive information.
  • Regularly update your firewall and antivirus software to protect against harmful malware.
  • If you change your registered mobile number, ensure all old connections to your previous number are blocked.
  • Never open or download APK files sent via text or email in the name of the bank, as banks will never ask you to do so.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited calls that claim to offer government benefits, stock market tips, loans, Aadhaar linking, or other services like hotel bookings.

The Importance of Crafting a Strong Password

Creating a strong and secure password is crucial to keeping your bank account and personal details safe from unauthorsed access. A robust password is one that is difficult for both humans and automated systems to guess. Strengthen your password by following these guidelines:

Characteristics of a Strong Password:

  • Ensure your password is at least 8-12 characters long.
  • Use a combination of upper and lower case letters.
  • Incorporate numbers and special characters (e.g., !, @, #, $, %).
  • Avoid common phrases or patterns.

Weak Password Examples:

  • Common words (e.g., "apple", "laptop").
  • Sequential patterns on the keyboard (e.g., "123456", "asdfgh").
  • Repeated characters (e.g., "aaaaaa", "111111").
  • Personal information such as birthdays, phone numbers, or pet names (e.g., "John1980", "Fluffy123").

Tips for Securing Your Password Over Time

Creating a strong password is just the first step. Maintaining its security over time is equally important. Follow these tips to ensure your password remains secure:

  • Change your password every 3 to 6 months.
  • If you suspect unauthorized access, update your password immediately.
  • Avoid saving your passwords on third-party websites or apps.
  • Don’t type your password on unfamiliar or shared devices, such as those in internet cafés or workstations.
  • Never store your password in written form or share it with anyone.

Additional Tips to Protect Your Account Information

To further protect your account:

  • Regularly change your internet banking password and never share it with others.
  • Use different, strong passwords for multiple accounts to minimize risk.
  • Avoid writing down or storing passwords in easily accessible places.
  • Be cautious when asked for account details over the phone or by unknown callers pretending to verify your information. Always confirm their authenticity.

Stay informed, stay vigilant. We wish you a smooth and stress-free banking journey with us.

Do's and Don'ts for Safe Banking and Account Protection

Bank, RBI, or other institutions will never ask for your personal or banking details through calls, emails, or SMS. Be cautious and don't fall victim to such frauds.

  • Do not click on any unknown links in messages or emails from untrusted sources.
  • Do not accept help from strangers at ATMs or in bank branches, especially while using your card or handling cash.
  • Avoid using shared or public computers (like in cyber cafes) for internet banking. If you do, change your passwords from your own device afterward.
  • Keep your mobile number updated with your bank to receive transaction alerts regularly.

Mobile Banking Safety

  • Do not grant app access to unknown users.
  • Alwaysdownload apps only from trusted sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • Avoid downloading apps from third-party sites or unfamiliar sources.
  • When accepting a payment or transfer request,double-check that the correct recipient is selected.
  • Inform your bank if you change your mobile number to continue receiving important notifications.
  • Do not store sensitive information like credit card details, mobile banking passwords, or user IDs on your phone or computer.
  • Regularly change your PIN for added security.
  • Be cautious when using Bluetooth in public places to prevent others from accessing your data.
  • Never click on links in emails or social media claiming to be from the bank without verifying their authenticity.

Safeguard your Account from Fraudsters

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank works to keep your account safe, but you also play a role in protecting it. Here are some quick tips:

  • Don’t respond to communication requesting personal information: Never respond to requests for personal or banking information. Your bank will never ask for your password, credit/debit card details, or account numbers via phone or email.
  • Create strong passwords: Use a combination of at least 6 characters with uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters like @, #, or $.
  • Beware of fake foreign fund offers: RBI has warned about scams where foreign entities claim to send huge amounts of money to individuals in India. Don’t fall for such schemes or share your bank details with them.
  • Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online banking and email accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step (like an OTP sent to your phone) in addition to your password.
  • Monitor Your Account Regularly: Check your bank statements and transaction history frequently for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank.
  • Log Out After Each Session: Always log out of your online banking or mobile banking app after completing your transaction. Avoid using the "Remember Me" option on shared devices.
  • Use Secure Internet Connections: Avoid conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks. Always use a secure, private network (such as your home or cellular data) when accessing your bank accounts online.
  • Keep Your Devices Secure: Ensure your smartphone, tablet, or computer is secured with the latest antivirus software, firewalls, and system updates to prevent malware or spyware from accessing your financial information.

Precautions for Online Shopping

Love online shopping? Make sure to stay safe while doing it. Here are some easy tips:

Shop with Trusted and Reputable Brands:

  • Always choose well-known and trusted websites or brands for your purchases.
  • For smaller or lesser-known brands, check reviews and ratings on third-party websites or forums to gauge their credibility. Scammers often create fake websites that look like real ones, so doing some research can save you from falling into a trap.

Keep Your Devices Secure:

  • Ensure your computer, smartphone, or tablet has updated antivirus software and firewalls to protect against malware, spyware, and phishing attacks. These security measures block harmful websites and alert you when your device is under threat.
  • Enable automatic updates for your operating system and apps, as these updates often fix security vulnerabilities.

Ensure Your Transactions are Secure:

  • Before entering any personal or payment information, check that the website URL begins with "https://" (the “s” stands for secure) and look for a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. This indicates that the website is using encryption to protect your data during transmission.
  • Avoid entering sensitive information (like card numbers or passwords) on websites without these security features. A missing padlock or "https" could mean that the website is not secure, making your data vulnerable to interception.

Use Strong Passwords for Online Shopping Accounts:

  • If you're creating accounts on shopping websites, ensure you use strong, unique passwords. A strong password includes a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Don’t use the same password across multiple platforms, especially if they include your financial details. A password manager can help you create and store strong passwords without having to memorize them all.

Keep an Eye on Privacy Policies:

  • Before making a purchase, take a moment to review the website's privacy policy. This document explains how the company handles your personal data, such as payment details and email addresses.
  • A legitimate website should clearly outline its data protection policies, and it should not sell or share your information with third parties for marketing purposes without your consent.

Use Secure Payment Methods:

  • Whenever possible, use secure payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets for online transactions. These services offer buyer protection, allowing you to dispute a transaction if you do not receive the product or if it’s not as described.

Be wary of fake remittance offers from abroad. Scammers may claim to send large sums of money to help with your business or ventures in India. These schemes often request an upfront payment for fees or commission, but they are fraudulent. RBI advises against remitting any money toward these schemes and clarifies that participation in foreign lotteries or similar offers is prohibited under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999.

 

Be Aware of Phishing Attacks:

  • Phishing attacks involve fraudsters sending fake emails, SMS messages, or even phone calls that appear to be from a trusted entity, such as your bank, an online retailer, or government agency. The goal is to trick you into revealing personal information like login credentials, credit card details, or even your account number.
  • These communications often create a sense of urgency by telling you that your account has been compromised or that you need to act quickly to avoid a penalty. Always verify the source before clicking any links or downloading attachments. If unsure, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.

Do Not Share Personal Information:

  • Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or full account numbers over the phone, email, or SMS. Be cautious of anyone asking you to provide this information, even if they seem to represent your bank or a familiar company.
  • If you receive any such request, especially for details like your Social Security number or Aadhar number, verify the authenticity by contacting the organization using official channels.

Beware of Fake Job Offers, Lottery Winnings, or Foreign Fund Schemes:

  • Fraudsters often send out emails or letters offering fake job opportunities, foreign fund transfers, or lottery winnings. These typically ask for an "advance fee" or personal banking information in order to process your "winnings" or release the funds.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other regulatory bodies have issued warnings about such scams, especially those claiming to be from overseas entities. Never pay fees upfront or share your bank details for such offers, as they are almost always scams.

Avoid Downloading Suspicious Apps or Software:

  • Many online fraud schemes involve tricking users into downloading malware or spyware disguised as legitimate apps or software. Once installed, these malicious programs can steal your personal data, track your keystrokes (to capture passwords), or even take control of your device remotely.
  • Always download apps and software from trusted sources such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid downloading from third-party websites or clicking on unsolicited links that prompt a download.

Fake Online Stores and Sellers:

  • Fraudsters often create fake e-commerce websites or seller profiles on legitimate platforms to steal your money or personal information. These sites may offer products at incredibly low prices to entice buyers. Once you make the payment, either the product never arrives, or you receive a low-quality or counterfeit item.
  • To avoid this, always verify that the seller is reputable. Check for contact information, user reviews, and return policies before making a purchase. Use secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted digital wallets that offer buyer protection.