Secure Banking

Protect your value

Overview

Your security is important to us. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while you do your banking with us.

General security tips for your in-branch banking

Do not give your account number or other personal account information about yourself to anyone who calls you or that you find in a banking hall. Only speak to our designated officers at the desk areas in the branch.
If possible, fill out your deposit slips ahead of time.
Tear up or shred receipts, bank statements, and unused account details before throwing them away.
Review your monthly accounts regularly for any unauthorized charges.
If your account activity looks suspicious or fraud is detected, check with our service team to support you through our contact details here.
Sign up here for our mobile and internet banking to review your account statements on a regular basis.
Be alert to your surroundings and other people around you.
Never display cash in a financial institution parking lot, if possible not even a "bank bag".
When you conduct banking business during the evening hours, if it is dark, have someone accompany you.
Park as near as possible to your branch, such as the branch entrance or ATM. All our branches have security personnel outside the branch premises to provide you a safe and secure environment, including the parking lot.
While the Bank endeavors to provide outside and in-branch security, you are directly responsible for the safety of your funds during your visit. Please take all necessary precautions to be safe.

Personal Banking Security tips for your in-branch banking

We encourage you to carry as little cash as possible to the branch.
Receive and send funds to your accounts electronically. Explore our Local and International payment options.
Make use of our mobile wallet service. Click here to register for the mobile wallet today or visit any of our agents in your neighborhood
For quick withdrawals, you can pick funds from our VISA-enabled ATMs. Locate one near you here.

Business Banking Security tips for your in-branch banking

Visit different any of our branches to ensure your banking pattern is not recognizable. See our locations here.
You may consider signing up for a cash management service. Explore our array of services here.
Avoid paying your suppliers or staff in view of the public. Use any of our business payments channels to simplify your expenses management. See here to start.
In as much as is possible, avoid using company-branded vehicles to undertake significant bank cash transactions.
Alternate the days and times you deposit cash or utilize our digital channels to ease your collections process. See here to explore our collection options.
Avoid openly displaying your business deposits while in the bank queue.
Avoid carrying money bags or openly displaying deposit slips while in the branch.

Savings clubs:

Recommend for at least two members of the club executive to be present when funds are deposited.
Alternatively, have your group/club members deposit funds directly into the account through our digital channels, Mobile Wallet, Internet banking, or any of our agents countrywide.
Any member payments can be done through any of our digital channels, Mobile Wallet, Internet banking, or any of our agents countrywide.

Inspect the ATM machine before inserting your card to ensure no additional device has been placed on the external frame of the machine. If you notice unfamiliar gadgets on the machine, notify our branch team or contact our service team here.

Card skimmers (external readers) and hidden cameras can be used to compromise your bank account and steal your card password.

Have someone well known to you accompany you to the ATM if possible especially in late hours.
Spend a minimum amount of time at the ATM.
As you approach the ATM, be aware of your surroundings. If you notice something or someone suspicious, report to the branch or the security team at your ATM location for assistance.
Do not use any ATM that appears unusual looking or offers options with which you are not familiar or comfortable.
Make sure the lighting around the ATM is adequate, if not, go to another ATM and notify us through our contact channels to support you.
Avoid soliciting or obtaining help from unknown people with your ATM transaction. Only speak to branch staff for any help.
Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your pin code.
Cover the ATM keypad as you're entering your PIN.
Do not re-enter your pin if the ATM "captures" your card. Contact the Bank through the channels provided in the ATM room.
DO NOT write your ATM card pin number on the back of your card.
Do not display cash after your transaction. Confirm your cash, pocket it, and head to your car, office, or home.
Immediately report all lost or stolen cards to us through our contact channels.
Never share your VISA card Personal Identification Number (PIN) or give it out over the telephone even if the caller identifies himself or herself as your banker or a police officer.
Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balance, and immediately report any problems to us through our contact channels.

Online shopping tips

Research retailers online to make sure they’re legitimate.
Be smart about shopping apps. Only download shopping apps from reliable sources like the apple app store or Google play store.
Be smart. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Look for the “s”: When paying online, check the URL to ensure it begins with "https://". The "s" at the end indicates a secure connection.
Be on the alert –Sign up for transaction alerts to see when your account has been used for purchase. Report any unusual payments that you do not think you’ve made.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi. Your standard data connection is more secure.
Be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails or phone calls. They may try to steal personal information like your account number, username, and password. If in doubt, do not click on any links or download files.
Research retailers online to make sure they’re legitimate.
Update system and application software– Install the latest software on your computer, tablet, or phone.

Finally, remember that if you think you have been defrauded, immediately contact us through our contact channels and explain the situation.

Use a strong password: Most banking apps have lots of built-in security features, but the best defense starts right on your phone. Use passwords that are tough to guess (do not use “password” or “123456”).
Use your mobile data for your mobile banking and never use public Wi-Fi. Your data is not secure on a public network.
Keep your mobile operating system and anti-virus software up-to-date by installing the latest updates as prompted by your device to ensure maximum security.
Do not root or jailbreak your device. This practice weakens device security.
Report a lost or stolen device to your branch if you suspect your information may be subject to wrong elements.
Only download and use the official BOA Mobile Wallet App from the Apple or Google App Store.
Log out after you use the BOA Mobile Wallet.
Use fingerprint technology now available on the BOA Mobile Wallet. Fingerprint technology is extremely secure. You may consider making this your default log-in method over using a password.
Know what phishing looks like. Phishing bait can be sent by text message, email, or private message. It can send you to a link that looks a lot like your bank's website (called spoofing) or asks directly for your private information. Avoid sharing your Mobile Banking details here.
Be aware of ‘shoulder surfers’ viewing your screen whenever you are in crowded places.

Never disclose passwords or other personal information in response to an email, phone call, or letter purporting to be from your bank or other financial institution. BANK OF AFRICA will never send you emails asking you to divulge such information.
Always make sure you are using a secure internet connection to connect to your account. Never use free public Wi-Fi - however convenient - as this may not be secure and your online banking session could be eavesdropped on.
Look for ‘https’ at the beginning of the address and the padlock symbol in the browser frame.
Only ever visit your bank’s website by entering the address into your browser or using a bookmark you have created using the correct address. If you believe your details may have been compromised in some way, immediately contact us through our contact channels and explain the situation.
Use strong passwords and PINs.
Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running before you log in to your bank account.
Do not reveal your passwords or PINs to anybody else or write them down to remember them.
Always check your statements, and if you notice any unusual transactions, report them to us immediately.
Get the latest Windows or apple updates for your machine.
Be careful when using public computers to access your bank. In as much as possible, avoid them.
Be aware of ‘shoulder surfers’ viewing your screen especially in public areas.

Limit cheque book availability to authorized employees.
Regularly reconcile cheques drawn on your account.
Always keep your cheque book in a safe place.
Do not leave signed blank cheques in your cheque book.
Ensure no gaps in words or numbers when writing cheques.
Ensure the cheque is fully completed – especially the drawer's name and the amount.
If a cheque or your cheque book is stolen, lost, or misused immediately contact us through our contact channels and explain the situation.
If you wish to cancel a personal, business, or bank cheque for any reason, immediately contact us through our contact channels to arrange a stop payment.
If you are registered on the Mobile Wallet, you can carry out a stop cheque instruction on your mobile phone.