Identity theft: Here's how you can quickly report the fraud to your bank

Digital identity theft is one of the biggest dangers on the internet today. Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to access your passwords, account details, and personal documents. Once scammers have gained access to your data, you need to act quickly. This article will tell you what exactly the signs of identity theft are and how you can protect yourself from spyware.

Identity theft on the internet is a serious cyber threat that has increased significantly in recent years. Scammers steal your private data in order to impersonate you online, and to commit crimes or make purchases in your name. 

Criminals often use malicious software such as spyware, which silently installs itself on your smartphone or computer and intercepts sensitive passwords. Social engineering attacks, which involve psychological pressure, also occur repeatedly. 

In typical phishing cases, you will receive fake emails from well-known companies asking you to enter your credit card numbers. Smishing works exactly the same way, but uses text messages or messenger services like WhatsApp as its channel. 

Good to know: What is social engineering?
In social engineering, criminals do not attack a bank's software, but the person instead. They deliberately manipulate traits such as trust, helpfulness, or the fear of losing something. The goal in digital banking is to deceive users into revealing sensitive data such as PINs and passwords, or even into transferring money to other people's accounts.

The success of cyberattacks heavily depends on how vigilant you are. If you follow a few basic security rules when providing digital data, you can effectively protect yourself against most fraud attempts. Always carefully check suspicious links in emails and never enter sensitive banking information at insecure websites. You can recognize a secure address by the fact that the URL begins with "https" and contains no typos in the name.

If you suspect that strangers have access to your online banking, the most important rule applies: Act immediately. Change your passwords. Stop and block any unauthorized access. Then inform your bank immediately so that your account or cards can be frozen. It is also absolutely necessary that you immediately report the fraud to the German police. 

Should there be an emergency, BBVA lets you directly block your card in seconds via the BBVA App. This protects you from financial loss. We will check for suspicious account activity on your behalf and assist you in issuing a replacement card. 

Your safety is our top priority, which is why we use state-of-the-art cybersecurity standards. If you notice any unauthorized entries, immediately contact BBVA Customer Service at +49 69 58 996 454. 

Familiarize yourself with BBVA's comprehensive security measures and learn how we can best protect your daily banking transactions.