Online shopping in total safety

Along with the online shops, banks work ceaselessly to protect your payments, without making them more complicated. A European directive even states that ‘strong authentication’ is mandatory for every electronic payment. What does that imply? To place an order, you have to enter a password, for example, plus a numerical code that you have received via your smartphone. Or you need to use a card reader and your PIN code. Or a bank card and your fingerprint.

Double protection

For your security, you therefore combine at least two of these elements:

• something that you alone have: your telephone or bank card;
• something that you alone know: your password or PIN code;
• something that is specific to you: your fingerprint, face or iris.

Do you use ‘itsme’? This app works on the same principle: you need your SIM card plus a five-figure code. Easy and secure!

Stay alert

Even though we do our utmost so that you can shop safely online, you too need to stay alert. These tips will soon help you get the best of scammers:  

• never pass on your secret codes: they are the key to your whole security; 
• mistrust any unusual activity (a request sent by e-mail, for example);
• avoid public Wi-Fi networks;
• never click on a link in a message, but enter the name of the website that you want to visit yourself; 
• only buy from recognised websites whose URL starts with ‘https://” – the ‘s’ is important;
• look for the following logos on the web page: ‘Verified by Visa’ and/or ‘MasterCard Secure Code’;
• always check the transaction data (amount, payee, etc.) before finalising a purchase.

False webshops often try to entice you with big discounts that are too good to be true. They often also include typing errors, the terms and conditions on returns are unclear and they reveal little about the company behind the offer.

Where can you go to report online fraud ? 

If you do fall victim to an internet criminal, freeze your bank cards immediately via Card Stop (078 170 170) and call us on 02 762 20 00. Make a statement to the police and send the police report number to your branch of BNP Paribas Fortis. Our staff will help you at every stage and look for a solution together with you.

If you receive a suspect message or dubious e-mail with our logo, you can pass it on to phishing@bnpparibasfortis.com.

More information is available on our BNP Paribas Fortis website and on Safeonweb.be.