The realm of internet payments has grown significantly during the past several years. Many of us prefer using our smartphones to make purchases at our neighbourhood stores, malls, and marketplaces since it gives us the chance to earn amazing rewards while doing so. A more accessible loan application process is another benefit of the digital revolution. The comfort of one's home allows one to apply for a personal loan with little documentation.

For many people, this is fantastic, but it has also encouraged the growth of online fraud in our nation. In light of this, we've provided some advice on how to avoid online fraud while applying for a personal loan.

11 Ways to protect yourself from fraud 

1. Before leaving a website, always log out

Whenever you sign in to an online banking or loan website, sign out before leaving the page. Make cautious to protect the details of your credit cards and to keep your financial information private. Because doing so can assist you in preventing identity theft, keep your financial records safe and secure.

2. Always be on the lookout for potential ripoffs

Knowing everything there is to know about online loans and credit card frauds is the best way to keep safe from them. Every loan offer you get must be double-checked, and their contact information must be confirmed to ensure that they are legitimate.

Find out more about the lender and look for customer feedback to get a sense of how the service is received. You can check the lender's legitimacy by going to the RBI website. Be sure to download the legitimate software from the authorised sources if you intend to apply for a loan using the app.

3. Never send money to someone without first confirming their identification.

Contrary to what the title implies, you should never transfer money without first establishing your identity. In most cases, calling banking authorities won't require you to divulge a great deal of sensitive information, so if someone asks for a lot of information, be sure to confirm their identification. Use a secure private connection to send the money rather than a public WiFi network.

4. Confirm that the website or app is secure

By using a non-secure website, you put yourself at risk for phishing attempts and offer the con artist easy access to your personal data. Your private information may also be at risk if you use public WiFi in locations like restaurants and shopping centres since criminals can use it to intercept your data and steal your credit card information. You risk losing money if the card information is compromised because it contains your PIN and sensitive information.

5. Be Alert For Phishing Emails, SMS, And Calls

Phishing emails, SMS messages, and calls must all be recognised. Apps that verify identity and display caller information can be used to accomplish this. Usually labelled as spam, fraudulent phone numbers will let you know who is phoning you. Ensure that you inform the authorities if you come across any numbers similar to these.

6. Improve your computer and mobile security

A regular operating system update is important because it adds new security features that keep you safe. Do this for both your phone and laptop. Aside from updating your operating system, make sure any antivirus software you have installed is updated.

7. Don't divulge your private information to others.

As was already mentioned, banking authorities won't call, email, or SMS you to ask for critical personal information. As a result, you shouldn't disclose your personal information to complete strangers via these channels or on any social media platforms.

8. Avoid granting remote access to your machine when called

The riskiest thing you can do is talk to a complete stranger and grant him remote access to your computer. Typically, these con artists claim that your computer has a virus and that they need access to some software to remove it. Once they gain access to it, they'll presumably lock it or make the info on it inaccessible.

When you don't pay the ransom demanded by these con artists, they will take your data and deny you access to your computer.

9. If the confidentiality of your financial information has been violated

Debit cards and credit cards are frequently lost, and when this happens, you should immediately have your card frozen. You can either phone the customer service representatives for assistance or do it immediately from the bank account app.

10. Review the privacy policies on the website

You can learn how the website safeguards the data and personal information it collects by reading the privacy policy, despite the fact that it can be a time-consuming and unpleasant effort. Find a different loan source if the privacy policy doesn't meet your needs.

11. Use secure passwords.

Your financial information may be kept secure very easily if you choose a strong password. Make sure your password has more than eight characters, both uppercase and lowercase, as well as numbers, symbols, and letters.

Conclusion 

Due to the development in digitization, getting a loan has gotten easier recently. You can complete the entire loan application procedure online, including processing and disbursement. Loan fraud has emerged as a result of this, despite being quick and simple. According to media reports, many have recently become concerned about discovering new loan accounts on their credit report through which they have never borrowed money. In order to obtain loans from third parties, various scammers utilise the PAN information of numerous people. There have also been more instances of debit or credit card fraud. When someone uses your credit card or debit card to make purchases without your permission, this occurs. Credit score damage may result from loan and credit card fraud.