Do you have a pin like that for a card or a phone? Change it immediately [List]

Card fraud has become a serious threat to electronic banking users in fresh years. Criminals have developed sophisticated methods that let them to rapidly and effectively bargain funds from bank accounts. In Poland, although the scale of fraud is comparatively tiny compared to another countries of the European Union, the number of specified incidents increases, which requires peculiar attention from users of payment cards.

The scale of card fraud in Poland

According to the National Bank of Poland data, in the first 4th of 2024 there were over 90.4 1000 fraudulent operations utilizing payment cards for a full amount exceeding PLN 24.1 million. Compared to the 4th fourth of 2023, the number of specified transactions increased by 4.7%, while their value decreased by 3.0%. These indicators propose that Poland remains 1 of the safest countries in the EU in terms of the scale of card fraud.

What PIN codes are most frequently guessed by cheaters?

Here is simply a list of most frequently guessed PIN codes:

• 1234
• 1111
• 0000
• 1212
• 7777
• 1004
• 2000
• 4444
• 2222
• 6969

Types of card fraud

Criminals usage different methods to access payment cards and bank accounts. The most common ones are:

• Phishing: Cheaters send fake email or SMS messages, impersonating banks or financial institutions, in order to extort login or card information.
• Skimming: Installation of illegal devices on ATMs or payment terminals that copy data from the magnetic stripe of the card.
• Carding: The process of investigating stolen card data by making tiny transactions to verify their validity.

How to defend yourself from card fraud?

To minimise the hazard of becoming a victim of fraud, the following precautions should be taken:

1. Use strong and unique PINs and passwords: Avoid popular combinations specified as 1234 or 0000. choice PIN codes consisting of random digits and change them regularly.
2. Enable transaction notifications: Setting SMS or email alerts allows you to monitor your account activity and respond rapidly to unauthorized transactions.
3. Use safe net connections: Avoid making financial transactions through public Wi-Fi networks that can be little secure.
4. Regularly check transaction history: Current expenditure control allows you to rapidly detect unauthorized operations.
5. Secure mobile devices: Install software updates, usage antivirus software and avoid downloading applications from unknown sources.
6. Stay alert for suspicious messages and calls: Never share the data with 3rd parties, even if they claim to be bank representatives.

Recommendations for payment card users

Banks and financial institutions invest in fresh safety technologies specified as EMV chip cards or close-up payments that are harder to clone than conventional magnetic striped cards.

In addition, the introduction of a card lock function for a specified time or distant card lock utilizing a mobile application increases the safety control of the means.