Digital fraud is becoming more sophisticated. Fraudsters are using fake websites, phishing messages, social media, impersonation and artificial intelligence (AI) to make scams look legitimate.

Their goal remains the same: to trick you into revealing confidential information or authorising a transaction that puts your money at risk.

Here are some of the scams to watch out for and the steps you can take to protect your bank account.

1. Fake calls from your bank

A fraudster may call claiming to be an Equity Bank employee investigating suspicious activity on your account. They may tell you that your account or card has been compromised and ask you to confirm your details. They may then ask for your PIN, password, OTP or another security code. Do not share these details. Equity employees will never ask you for your PIN or OTP.

If you receive a call claiming to be from Equity and you are unsure, end the call and contact the bank directly. Equity’s official contact centre number is 0763 000 000. You can also call 100 from an Equitel line. Do not rely on a caller’s claim that they are from the bank. Verify independently.

2. Phishing messages and fake websites

A message may tell you that your account needs to be updated, your card has been blocked, or you have received a reward. It may contain a link that takes you to a website that looks like that of Equity. The site may ask you to enter your username, password, card details or OTP. Once you provide them, the fraudster can use the information to target your account. Never access your banking services through suspicious links sent by SMS, email, social media or using public Wi-Fi

When banking online, use the official Equity website: https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/ or log on directly to Equity Online for individuals: https://equityonline.equitygroupholdings.com/en/access/onboarding, check the website address carefully before entering your information. Ensure that your Equity Mobile App is downloaded from either Google Playstore or App Store, you can also access your account via USSD code (*247#).

3. AI-powered impersonation scams

Artificial intelligence has made it easier for fraudsters to impersonate bank agents and make their calls or messages appear genuine. They may claim to be calling from Equity and tell you that there is a problem with your account, card or a recent transaction.

If the voice sounds familiar, claiming to be an Equity agent, do not assume it is genuine. Fraudsters can use AI to mimic voices and make impersonation calls sound convincing. End the call and contact Equity directly through its official channels to verify the request

4. Fake promotions and online offers

Fraudsters can create convincing copies of genuine promotions and websites, using familiar logos, branding and attractive offers to make them appear legitimate. You may receive an offer for a discount, competition, voucher or reward and be directed to a fake website to make a small payment or enter your Equity card details.

Before taking up any online offer, verify it through the organisation’s official website or verified social media pages. Do not assume an offer is genuine simply because it uses familiar branding. Never enter your Equity banking or card details on a website you have not independently verified.

5. Fake invoices and payment requests

Fraudsters can also target businesses by copying genuine invoices and changing the account details. If you receive an invoice, payment request or notification that a supplier has changed their Equity Bank details, verify it directly with the supplier using a trusted phone number or contact. Do not approve a payment simply because the invoice looks familiar.

How to protect your bank account

1. Never share your confidential banking information

Your PIN, OTP, password, card CVV and other security credentials are private. No legitimate bank employee should ask you to disclose them. Do not save your PIN in your phone. Never write it where others can see it or allow someone else to perform transactions on your behalf.

2. Stop and verify

Fraudsters rely on urgency. They want you to act before you have time to think. Whether it is a phone call, SMS, social media message, payment request or online offer, stop and verify before clicking, paying or sharing information.

3. Use official Equity channels

When you need help with your account, contact Equity directly rather than responding to an unexpected message or call. You can contact Equity’s official contact centre. For online services, rely on the official Equity website (https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/ ) and official Equity Mobile App.

4. Report suspicious activity

If you receive a suspicious call or SMS, do not engage with the sender or click any links. Report suspicious numbers or SMS lines to 333. If you suspect that your account, card or other banking information has been compromised, contact Equity immediately via its official contact centre.

Digital scams may be becoming more sophisticated, but protecting your bank account starts with simple habits: keep your banking information private, verify unexpected requests, use official Equity channels and report suspicious activity immediately.

For tips on secure banking, visit: https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/secure-banking-tips/ #KaaChonjo

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