Digital financial services help us make payments, transfers and other banking operations quickly, easily and conveniently. At the same time, as technology continues to develop, the methods used by fraudsters are becoming increasingly diverse and harder to recognize at first glance.

Suspicious phone calls, messages sent via SMS or messaging apps, fake emails, dangerous links and cloned web pages are just some of the methods used by criminals to gain access to users’ personal data, banking information or money.

At EuroCreditBank, the financial security of our clients is a priority. Therefore, we recommend that you remain cautious, verify any information received from unknown sources and avoid acting under pressure.

How to recognize a fraud attempt

Be careful if an unknown person:

• asks you to act immediately, referring to a blocked account, a suspicious transaction or an urgent issue;

• requests passwords, PIN codes, OTP codes received by SMS or full card details;

• urges you to transfer money to a so-called “safe account”;

• promises quick earnings, advantageous investments or “risk-free” income;

• sends you links for making a payment, confirming an operation or unlocking a service;

• asks you to install remote access applications on your phone, tablet or computer.

Fraudsters rely on panic, haste and psychological pressure. Do not make financial decisions in a hurry and do not share confidential data, regardless of the reason provided.

The most common fraud methods

1. They pretend to be bank employees or representatives of public institutions

Fraudsters may pretend to be representatives of EuroCreditBank, the Police, the National Bank of Moldova or other institutions. Usually, they invoke an urgent situation: a suspicious transaction, a loan taken out in your name, the risk of your account being blocked or the need to verify personal data.

Remember: EuroCreditBank will never ask you by phone, SMS, email or social media for passwords, PIN codes, OTP codes received by SMS, or to transfer money to another account.

2. They display a fake phone number

Using caller ID spoofing techniques, fraudsters can make the name or number of a known institution appear on your phone screen.

Even if the call seems legitimate, end the conversation if you are asked for confidential data, security codes or urgent actions. Contact the bank directly, using only the official contact details published on the EuroCreditBank website.

3. They send fake messages and links

You may receive an SMS, email or message that imitates notifications from a bank, courier company, service provider or public institution.

The message may urge you to access a link to confirm a payment, pay a fee, unlock a parcel or update certain data. These links may lead to fake web pages created to collect card details, passwords or other personal information.

4. They request the OTP code received by SMS

The OTP code is a one-time code used to confirm certain operations. It is strictly personal and must not be shared with anyone, regardless of who requests it or what reason they provide.

If someone asks you for the OTP code, this is a clear sign of fraud. By obtaining this code, fraudsters may try to authorize transactions or other operations on your behalf.

Simple rules to protect your money

To reduce the risk of fraud:

• do not share passwords, PIN codes, OTP codes or full card details;

• do not access links received from unknown or unsafe sources;

• do not install applications at the request of unknown persons;

• do not transfer money at the instruction of people who contact you by phone;

• verify information only from official sources;

• contact EuroCreditBank through official channels if you have doubts about a call, message or request received.

What to do if you have shared confidential data

If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud or have shared banking or personal data:

1. Immediately stop communicating with the suspicious person.

2. Block the contact from which you received the call or message.

3. Contact EuroCreditBank through official channels to request the blocking of your card or account.

4. Change the passwords of your financial applications from a secure device.

5. Notify the authorities and call the single emergency number 112.

Financial security begins with caution and correct information. Share these recommendations with your family and friends — sometimes, a simple conversation can prevent a significant financial loss.