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Online Banking: Scam or Saviour?
Internet banking is definitely one of those things that you either love or hate, many people swear by the online service declaring that it has saved them time and patience whereas others would rather chop off their own foot than input their personal banking details into a computer. With most things on the internet there are obviously risks, however with updated security programs and almost all high street banks offering an online service, will online banking become the new 'norm'?
Almost 12 million people in the UK use Internet banking as either their main form of personal banking or as a handy alternative when the call centre hold music goes too far. One of the main persuasion points that banks use to encourage more people to sign up for online banking is that there is more chance of being defrauded when giving your bank details over the phone than you are over the internet. Perhaps not the most comforting thought but one that does point out an important factor, the internet is just as safe as any other medium so why are so many people against switching to a simpler, more convenient service?
As long as you remember to keep some form of common sense about you as you use online banking, there really is not much that could go wrong. Just like you wouldn’t keep a pin number for a card next to it in your wallet, make sure you don’t store your internet banking passwords in your computer. As cunning as you think your 'hidden password files' are, it is highly likely that someone searching for your passwords will find them if you keep them on your computer.
Recently many people have been receiving emails from their 'banks' informing them that someone has been trying to access your account. This helpful little message will then take you to a separate page so that you can quickly input your details and 'protect' your account. Your accounts are then cleaned out of any money and you are left cursing yourself for falling for a shifty Internet scam. The risks associated with internet banking as minimal as long as you keep your wits about you, just as you wouldn’t believe that a free junk mail scratch card will win you a million, if something seem dodgy on the net it is usually best not to touch it with a bargepole.