Security and Safety
New types of scams continue to emerge in which fraudsters lure you into providing confidential info – often via email, SMS, phone call, malware or remote access. Anyone can be a target. Ultimately, it’s up to you to stay informed about scams, and think twice before sharing your personal details online or over the phone
To ensure a secure link every time you perform an online transaction, our online banking system is uniquely encrypted.
We regularly check our online banking security systems to ensure maximum security, keeping you informed and your data and info safe and secure.
How to bank safely online
- Make sure your devices always have the latest browser and security software
- Never use public computers or devices to do your online banking
- Log out of your banking profile as soon as you’ve completed your transaction
- Always type our URL into your browser
- Make sure the URL begins with ‘https’ and not ‘http’
- Always be careful when accessing and managing your online banking profile and accounts
- Never share your personal or account information via email, SMS or telephone
- Never access our online banking service via a link or attachment
- Don’t reply to any unsolicited emails, even if they claim to be from us
- Don’t click on any links or attachments in unsolicited emails
- Keep your PINs and passwords strong and safe
- Register for MyUpdates so you’re notified of activity on your account
Cellphone scams are becoming more common because of the increasing popularity of cellphone banking. To protect your data and info, every cellphone banking transaction is uniquely encrypted.
It is therefore important to ensure that your cellphone is locked at all times and never left unattended whilst logged into your cellphone banking profile.
How to bank safely by cellphone
- Always access our website by typing www.stanbicbank.com.gh into your web browser
- Dial *715# to access cellphone banking
- Secure your device with a strong password and PIN, pattern password, or fingerprint
- Log out of your cellphone banking profile as soon as you’ve completed your transaction
- Don’t store any banking credentials such as ATM PIN, card number, passwords etc., on your cellphone.
- Install a reputable and secure up-to-date anti-virus application on all your devices
- Let us know if your cellphone number changes, so we can update your details
- Never share your personal details or account info via email, SMS or telephone
- Don’t reply to any unsolicited emails, even if they claim to be from us
- Don’t click on any links or attachments in unsolicited emails
- Register for MyUpdates so you’re always notified of activity on your account
- If you lose network reception on your cellphone, immediately check what the problem could be (you could be a victim of a SIM swap scam)
- If your cellphone is lost, stolen or not in your possession, contact our Customer Care centre on 0302 815789 or Online Fraud line immediately on 0800 020 600 to report that your device is no longer in your possession and block your profile.
When you’re on the move, you can easily find your nearest ATM using our mobile banking app. Always be alert at ATMs.
How to bank safely at ATMs
- Use in-branch ATMs whenever you can, and choose ATMs in areas that you’re familiar with
- Never use an ATM that’s been vandalised, or that’s located in a badly lit, quiet area
- Have your card ready in your hand when you get to the ATM
- Stand close to the ATM, and always cover the keypad while entering your PIN
- Follow the ATM’s instructions carefully, entering the required information only when prompted
- Don't let anyone distract you, or leave your card unattended in the card slot
- If someone approaches you at an ATM, cancel the transaction and remove your card
- Check your card before you leave the ATM to make sure it’s yours
- Don't accept help from strangers
- Never give your PIN to anyone, including bank staff
- Keep cash withdrawals to a minimum, as well as your daily cash withdrawal limit
- Check your bank statements regularly
- Cancel your card immediately if its stolen or retained by the ATM
Your PIN is the key to your card and bank accounts, as you’ll need it to draw cash at ATMs and pay at the till.
While lost card protection covers you up to 24-hours prior to reporting your lost or stolen card, you’re not protected against any transactions in which your PIN is used.
How to guard your PIN
- Memorise your PIN – never write it down or tell anyone what it is
- If you can’t memorise it, keep a note of your PIN in a safe place (not with your card)
- Make sure nobody ever sees you entering your PIN
- If anything makes you suspicious while using an ATM, cancel the transaction and remove your card
- If you think your PIN is no longer a secret, change it at our ATMs or your nearest branch
When shopping online, you’ll always receive a one-time PIN (OTP) via SMS or email to authorise your transaction.
3D Secure cards require verification of your personal details before you can buy anything online, so you’ll need to provide:
- Your card number (on the front of the card)
- The card expiry date
- The CVC/CVV or card validation code (the last 3 digits on the back of your card)
While shopping online is convenient, quick and secure, you can take extra precautions to protect your data and info.
How to shop safely online
- Only buy goods or services from online companies you recognise and trust
- Look for security symbols in the URL like an unbroken lock or key
- Make sure the URL begins with ‘https’ and not ‘http’
- Keep a record of your transactions and payment confirmations
- Never pay for goods or services via email
- Never share any personal or banking info with anyone, including bank staff
- Don’t use public computers or internet cafés to shop online
Fraudsters may try to steal your purse or wallet, or your mail, to access personal info, like your ID or passport number, driver’s licence, payslip, municipal bills or bank statements.
They will try to use this info to assume your identity and open bank or retail accounts, loans or insurance policies in your name.
How to prevent ID theft
- Store personal and financial documents away safely
- Destroy or shred any confidential papers before throwing them away
- Don’t carry unnecessary information in your wallet or purse
- Create strong bank passwords and PINs
- Be aware when sharing, or using personal info or your accounts
- Never share any personal or baking info via email, SMS or telephone
- If your purse or wallet is lost or stolen, stop all your accounts immediately and alert the police