Securely Using Online Banking: The Key Rules

Straight to the bank

Access your online banking only through the banking app or by typing in the address yourself or using a saved bookmark. Never click on links from emails, texts or search ads – fake bank pages even show up in search results.

Read the details before you confirm

Whether it’s an app approval, a TAN generator or a code: check exactly what you’re approving before you confirm. If a transfer, a new device or a card payment appears that you didn’t initiate yourself, stop immediately. Scammers often disguise transfers as a “security check” or a “refund”.

The most common scams

• Fake bank employee on the phone: the number on your display looks authentic but is spoofed. The caller asks you for approvals to supposedly stop fraud. Real bank staff never ask for codes or approvals.
• “Your account will be locked” message: the link leads to a fake login page.
• “New security procedure”: you’re asked to set up the app again via link or phone call – in reality, the scammers link their own device to your account.
• Remote access: claimed support wants to access your computer while you open banking.

Basic protection in five steps

• Keep your phone, computer and banking app up to date.
• Use a strong, unique password for your banking that you don’t use anywhere else.
• Lock your phone with a PIN or fingerprint.
• Turn on notifications for every transaction so you immediately spot anything unusual.
• Set a daily limit for transfers that fits your everyday habits.

Banking while you’re out

In unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks – at a café, hotel or train – you can’t know who runs the network. A VPN encrypts your connection, ensuring no one can read your data or silently redirect you. Even simpler: use your mobile data instead of an open Wi-Fi network for banking on the go.

If something goes wrong

• Immediately call your bank or have your card and access blocked – in Germany you can do this 24/7 via the emergency lock-in hotline 116 116.
• Change your banking password from a clean, safe device.
• Collect evidence and file a police report.
• Find a checklist to take all the necessary steps on our First Aid page.