In recent years there has been an increase in the number of Internet banking fraud and scams, generally aimed at obtaining confidential data and / or Web credentials, such as usernames, passwords or mobile phone numbers, for malicious reasons.

So-called "phishing", for example, consists in sending out email messages with the intent to gain possession of sensitive information. The requests for personal data contained in the emails are often motivated by technical reasons or fake security concerns or attract people because they promise a prize.

The actual scam is triggered when you open a link (or pop-up) in an email or text message – which you think is from your bank – on your computer, smartphone or tablet, and enter your personal details and sensitive data. The link, of course, does not redirect you to the bank’s website but to one that looks very similar and is actually located on a server controlled by the fraudsters, in order to gain possession of your details, under the pretence of requesting confirmation of certain data, or asking you to downloading a fake app [*] or prompting authentication by the system.

[*]The installed app then takes complete control of the phone, allowing the fraudster to act as administrator, and therefore to forward text messages, redirect calls and control the Wi-Fi networks. When you enter the code generated by the app on the fake site, the fraudsters are alerted to the fact that the phone control procedures have been completed and sends all the information entered by you to a data collection server (credentials including the unencrypted passwords, phone number, account balance). The information stolen from you is then immediately used to carry out fraudulent transactions (the fraudsters use the authorisation codes sent by the bank to your remotely controlled phone number).

With regard to our Internet banking services, Banca Finnat suggests you:

1. Always store your access credentials carefully, by not saving them in your computer, keeping your username and password separate and changing your password on a regular basis.
2. Choose a secure password by using numbers, letters and symbols and not words that can somehow be associated with any personal information readily obtainable by the fraudsters.
3. Always access the bank’s online services from the www.bancafinnat.it portal.
4. Make sure that the web page where you enter your personal information is protected and be cautious of any pop-ups. The page is secure when the address is preceded by "https" and the browser displays an icon https attesting to connection to a secure site.
5. Install an antivirus software on your PC, keeping the computer constantly updated with the available operating system, keeping the Internet browser updated by downloading the free updates and installing the anti-spam, anti-malware and anti-online advertising software.
6. Always remember to end the session of the Banca Finnat online services by using the "LOGOUT" button and then closing the browser.
7. Avoid downloading file-sharing or peer-to-peer software (BitTorrent, JDownloader, Limeware, XdccDownloader, Kazaa, iMesh, Bearshare Lite, eMule, qBittorrent, uTorrent, eMule, etc…). This software, updated on an ongoing basis, could allow unwanted "guests" to access your computer and unduly elicit any kind of information.
8. Control your bank account regularly to ensure that all transactions are accounted for and use any transaction notification tools made available by the Bank.

WARNING: it is not the Bank’s policy to send a link to its Internet banking website or request personal information, such as your username or password, by email or text message. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or cyber-attack, or for more information on the subject, contact our Customer Care service immediately at:

Freephone Help Desk number (from Italy) 800.298357
Help Desk number from abroad 051.4992170
Banca Finnat customer care number 06.69933474 (Mon – Fri, from 08:30 to 18:00).