Is internet and mobile banking safe?
Internet and mobile banking is a more convenient way to manage your money and is generally safe as long as you keep your details secure.
Banks and building societies have plenty of processes to keep their websites and apps secure or they could get in trouble with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Their websites are encrypted so only you can view your account page and they are programmed to time out after a period of inactivity.
They will have strict login processes that may require a card reader or sending a code to your mobile phone.
There are steps you can take such as setting up a login and password that cannot be easily guessed and only logging into your account from a secure and private wi-fi connection.
Also, check who you are transferring money to and ensure they are legitimate.
The rise of online banking has also encouraged scammers to try to dupe account holders with emails and text messages.
Always check details with your bank separately.
The main providers also offer a service that verifies the details of someone you are transferring money to, which gives you an extra layer of security and ensures that person or company is genuine.
Is HSBC down?
Hundreds of customers at a major bank are locked out of online banking.
Access to HSBC online banking is down according to customers who have complained on social media.
Problems started shortly before 8am, according to Downdetector which logs outages, with more than 3,000 reports of issues.
HSBC card and ATM transactions working as normal
HSBC’s website says that card and ATM transactions are working as normal.
However, it says that mobile and online banking are still experiencing difficulties.
HSBC has said it is “working hard to restore” the banking services.
HSBC confirm they are still working on a fix
HSBC have confirmed to The Sun that they are still working on a fix.
They did add however that “customers are still able to opt to confirm purchases via one time passcode sent to them via SMS”.
