Rest easy! Follow our quick tips to keep all your information secure. 

1. General security tips
2. Stay safe online
3. Stay safe at the ATM
4. Stay safe abroad
5. Stay safe while you shop
6. Keep your cards, passwords and PINs safe
7. Keeping cheques and drafts safe
8. What to do if you're a victim of a fraud
9. Useful Guides
10. Useful Websites

General

• Don’t forget to let us know before you travel. Not only will this reduce any issues with using your card abroad, but it also gives you an extra layer of safety and we’ll contact you if we notice any suspicious behaviour. Call us on +41 766 317 093 to add your travel note to your account.
• Always ensure that you check your statement to ensure that you can account for every transaction. Contact your bank or card issuer if there are any transactions you believe that you didn't make.
• Regularly access your account online to verify all transactions.

Get all the detailed information you need about staying safe in our Fraud and Financial crime section. 

Stay safe online

Using up-to-date good quality internet security software is a must but you should also protect yourself in other ways:

• Be aware of unsolicited emails asking for bank card or PIN numbers and never divulge this information.
• Check the URL when you are providing payment details for an online purchase; the "http" should turn into a "https".
• Check the lock symbol on any website's homepage to see if it's genuine before entering your security details.
• Be aware that purchases from private sellers may be more at risk than those from registered businesses. Buy from well known companies where possible.
• Be aware of phoney e-mails/websites that try to trick you into giving personal information including mobile telephone numbers, mothers maiden name and date of birth etc. Try to use a known web address or one from your favourites.
• Never send money to or share the details of a money transfer with someone that you do not know.
• Where a site shows the last time that you logged in, always check that this reflects the last time you accessed the website.
• Take care when downloading files such as music, software etc. These files may be infected or have “malware” programmes attached.
• Always type in the web address karlsruhebaden.com/ebanking and logon to your internet Banking from there. Avoid saving links to your favourites or clicking on non karlsruhe Baden Bank sites or e-mails as they may be compromised by fraudsters and bring you to a fraudulent website.
• Always clear your browser caches regularly.

Stay safe at the ATM

We introduced our new secure ATMs in 2006. But no matter which ATM you use, be sure to follow these simple steps to stay safe:

• Use an ATM in a well-lit, busy area.
• Don’t use an ATM that you think might have been tampered with or if you see anyone suspicious hanging around. Cancel your transaction immediately and contact your Bank and the local Gardaí.
• Have your card ready, so you don’t have to search for it while distracted.
• Cover your hand while entering your PIN number and ensure that no-one is looking over your shoulder.
• If for any reason your card is not returned to you by the ATM, contact your bank immediately and make sure you verify all transactions on your account.
• Pay attention to the front of the ATM machine you are using. Does it look different from other ATM’s i.e does it have a sticky residue on it or extra signage.
• Pay close attention to the slot where you insert your card. Are there any differences to the slot or are there any hidden cameras?

Never try to remove a suspicious device from an ATM yourself

Read more about ATM Safety.

Stay safe abroad

• Remember to let your bank know when you are travelling so they can put this information on your record.
• Don’t do your banking at internet cafes.
• Think about whether you need to carry all of your cards with you when you go out
• Ensure that you carry the contact details in your mobile of your card issuing bank with you in the event that your card is lost/stolen.

Stay safe while you shop

• Stay vigilant of your card when you hand it over in a shop or a restaurant. When paying for goods and services insist on being present with your card at all times.
• Make sure the information on the sales voucher or terminal is correct before signing the receipt or entering your PIN. Once the PIN is entered, the Bank will deem that you have authorised that amount to be debited from your account.
• Ensure that your card is returned to you.
• Cover your hand when you enter your PIN number and ensure no-one is looking over your shoulder.
• Do not give anyone your PIN.

Keep your cards, passwords and PINs safe

• Always keep your card in a safe place.
• Never write your passwords down or store them in your mobile phone. When you receive a new PIN, make sure you memorise it and destroy the paper it came on.
• Change your password and PIN numbers regularly, change them straight away if you suspect someone else has gained access to them and notify your bank.
• Report any lost cards immediately to the card issuer or your bank.
• Be aware of others who may take note of your password or PIN including family or friends.
• Change your password/PIN immediately if you suspect that someone else has gained access to them and notify your bank.
• Never leave your card out of your possession to cover a tab and always ask for a receipt.

Find out more about protecting your identity.

Keeping Cheques and Drafts safe

• Store all unused and issued cheques in a safe and secure place.
• Ensure that you have control over who has access to your chequebook.
• Do not sign cheques in advance.
• Ensure that you cross all cheques "A/C payee only".
• Always keep your cheque book and bank cards separate at all times.

What to do if you're a victim of a fraud

• Call your bank or your financial institution.
• Change your passwords.
• Contact the Gardai to make a report.
• Request a disclaimer form from your bank.

Find out more about frauds and scams and see our emergency contact numbers.

Useful Guides

Irish Banking Federation Fraud Prevention Guide (pdf, 4.72MB)

Useful Websites

Visit the websites below for more information:

www.garda.ie
www.centralbank.ie/regulation
www.makeitsecure.ie
www.eccSwitzerland.ie
www.getsafeonline.org
www.bpfi.ie
www.lotto.ie
www.met.police.uk
www.interpol.int
www.fsa.gov.uk
www.visaeurope.com
www.mastercard.com
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk
www.ncpop.ie/informationandhelplines
www.ageuk.org.uk
www.fakechecks.org
www.actionfraud.police.uk/thedevilsinyourdetails
www.getsafeonline.org