The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) warns the population that any information on bank cards is private and should not be disclosed to anyone, not even to bank representatives. The warning was issued in connection with false messages disseminated through such communication applications as Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram etc. on behalf of the central bank, IPN reports, quoting a press release of the Bank.

The NBM warns that such messages are issued by imposters trying to obtain data on bank cards from uninitiated persons. In the case of disclosure, the information can be used by scammers to steal money from the card account.

Keeping money on the card is a safe option, if the conditions of use are met. It is important that the card details be not disclosed to third parties.

In order to avoid the unauthorized use of cards, the National Bank recommends citizens, if they are contacted by alleged bank employees and asked for card details, to interrupt the call immediately, call the number indicated on the back and inform the bank that issued it.

To prevent fraud situations, one should activate the option of setting value limits for transactions made with the card. The limit represents the maximum value of transactions or a maximum number of operations that can be carried out daily/weekly/for a certain period, from the payment account attached the card.

One should also check the presence of 3D-Secure symbols on the e-commerce platforms (Mastercard Secure Code, VERIFIED by VISA, American Express SafeKey). These symbols are usually displayed at the bottom of the web page of the merchant.

“Never provide the PIN number when making online transactions because it is not necessary. No online merchant is entitled to ask you to introduce the PIN number in a box on the e-commerce platform,” warned the NBM.