Safety & Anti-fraud
On our main FAQ Page, we talk about helpful ways to use our services, and ways that WE protect your data.
On this page, we talk about useful ways you can keep your account(s) safe and take simple steps to protect yourself online (wether you're using Mana Pacific or any other card, app, or Banking Services!).
We put in a tremendous amount of work to keep you safe, here are a few a few things that we wish all customers in America knew about.
Good luck with your banking, Welcome to Mana Pacific!
PS: If you have recently been a victim of fraud, you should tell us immediately (even the fraud happened somewhere else), and consider reporting the fraud directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here.
10 Steps to Stay Safe Online (Wherever you are!)
Online shopping is the center for more than 70% of card and payment fraud. However, it's nothing to be afraid of if you know the rules of the road. Follow these simple guidelines and be confident that online shopping can be just as secure as shopping on the high street. Know who you are dealing with – Try to find out as much as you can about the retailer before you purchase anything from them. Use shops that your friends and colleagues have used successfully or ones that you have heard about through trusted sources. Make sure your internet access is secured – The beginning of the retailer’s website address should change from ‘http’ to ‘https’ before a purchase is made. This indicates that you are using a secure connection. Look for the padlock symbol – Click on the security icon (the padlock or unbroken key symbol) to ensure that the retailer has an encryption certificate. The link should describe the type of security and encryption being used. Keep your computer and security up to date – Install a reliable antivirus and browser security software. Ensure it has the latest updates and that it scans your computer regularly to check for malware. Make sure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. These safety options are not always activated by default when you purchase and install your computer. Keep a record of your purchase – Print out or save a copy of your order. Read the Terms and Conditions – Ensure you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of recurring payments. Be particularly careful to read the terms and conditions when signing up for a free trial that requests your credit or debit card details. Paid subscriptions can automatically kick-in at the end of the free trial so check for any cancellation policy. Be cautious about emails claiming outrageous offers or online ads offering miracle products – Generally if it sound too good to be true, it probably is. Pay attention to your own instincts – If you have any doubts about giving out your card details, end the transaction and purchase your goods elsewhere. Be password savvy – The best passwords are alpha-numeric (using letters and numbers) and at least 8 characters in length. Use Card-Safe or 3D Secure online stores – This is a tool available for cardholders that protects your MasterCard or Visa Card against unauthorised Internet use. 3D Secure enables you to verify that you are the actual cardholder in a similar way to keying in a PIN at the Point of Sale. Contact your bank or card issuer today to find out more about registering for using 3D Secure.
Where can I learn more about Fraud, and keeping my account safe?
Great Question! If you missed the section about 10 Steps to Stay Safe Online, that’s a great place to start! There is a LOT you can do to be mindful of how you keep your personal information private, safe, and secure. Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to find access to your money, and often, via consumers and the many numbers of social media appeals, or other personal-touch techniques that expose regular people to some of the more lucrative methods of gaining unwanted access to valuable private information. Remember: If in doubt, presume the worst. Mana Pacific will never contact you for PIN re-sets, or any other personal information, or to initiate funds transfers for you, or claim to need your assistance with-out you beginning a such a request via a secure/online channel. Useful Links: US Federal Trade Commission: https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams US FTC (Enforcement): https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
What is Fraud?
Fraud comes in many shapes and sizes. Given that anyone can be the target of financial fraud and scams, at any time, the best defense is to stay informed, alert, and secure. For the purposes of protecting your data, and your financial life from "bad guys", there are three types of protection that we promote awareness of: 1. Digital Security, Cybersecurity, and Online Fraud - where "bad guys" try and take information or money from us. 2. Consumer Scams and Fraud. 3. Old School Theft. Digital & Cybersecurity is an area that we, and the financial services industry take very seriously. We design systems, and technologies to protect you automatically, and rely on online partners to provide us up to date financial security (sometimes in real time!) to keep your accounts (and their networks) safe from misuse. Almost all of these kinds of tools are automated and running 24/7 in the background to keep you - and us - safe - and you are protected by this umbrella service that we provide. You can read more here, about our privacy policy and more on our legal page! Consumer Scams and Fraud is broken down into two general spheres. We consider one kind of infringement to be generally "Fraud", and that is financial theft without your permission or knowledge where scams are theft of your funds with your permission or knowledge. Old School/Physical Theft is where we define what you might see in the Movies, like "bank robberies" (which aren't applicable to Mana Pacific, as we are a digital only service), but more commonly someone stealing mail, or identity, or something else that can lead to Fraud, Scams, or Cybersecurity attacks. To read more about these type of "attack" (or Scam) - please read on in the following links:
What is Email Fraud?
Email Fraud is the most common way that fraudsters target potential victims is by sending fake emails that look like they are from a reputable company. They will urge you to click on a link and enter your personal and financial details into a fake website that will look like a genuine website. The emails tend to impart a sense of urgency asking you to “verify”, “update” or “reactivate” your account. It may indicate that something is wrong and if you don’t act immediately it will have negative consequences, for example, that money will be lost or that there is fraud on your account. The fraudsters don’t want to give you time to research or investigate if the email is legitimate. Sometimes the email will promise you money, asking you to fill in your details for a refund, a credit or for an unexpected lottery win or job opportunity. Fraudulent emails may include a link or attachment that when clicked on, downloads malicious software (malware) on to your PC or device, and some types of malware can track your online activity and therefore are able to record and pass your financial, personal or security information to the fraudster. This allows them to steal money from your account or use your details for other criminal activities. Key Advice 1. Don’t respond to any email asking for financial, personal or security information unless you independently verify that the email came from the company it claims to be from. 2. Never give away security details, such as your PIN or full online banking password to anyone. 3. Never click on a link or attachment in an email until you have verified it is from the source it says it is from. 4. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. 5. Be suspicious if asked for card / security details via email. Remember Mana Pacific (and any other card issuers or Banks) will never ask for full account, card, PIN or security credentials (we already know them!)
What is Phishing Fraud?
Phishing (Phony-Fishing [for information]) is the attempt by fraudsters to trick you into handing over personal information such as your account details, bank details, online usernames, or even your passwords via email (or other methods), by pretending to be from a trustworthy source such as your bank. The information they gain can then be used to access your Mana Pacific account, other bank accounts, or debit or credit cards. * We will never ask you for such information. So please be aware of anyone that tries to say they would! The criminal typically sends thousands of generic emails out (like bait when fishing – hence the name phishing) to people whose email addresses have been obtained from an unknown source, in the hope of getting a “bite”. The email often imparts a sense of urgency, threatening that your account will be blocked, closed, deactivated or that you will suffer some other negative consequence, if you do not act immediately. How to Avoid Phishing: 1. Never respond to any unsolicited emails that request personal or sensitive information without first independently verifying the legitimacy of the email. 2. Never give away security details, such as your PIN or full online banking password to anyone. 3. Never click on a link or attachment in an email until you have verified it is from the source it says it is from. 4. Limit or restrict how much personal information you share on social network sites. 5. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed; take your time to make the relevant checks. 6. Anti-phishing toolbars are included in most web browsers. Ensure that you are using the most up-to-date version of your web browser. 7. Ensure that your antivirus software is kept up to date.1Be wary of emails that do not use your name and use generic greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear Sir / Madam”. 8. Do not open or forward emails that you think may be spam. Take heed of any messages that appear in your browser alerting you to a possible attack or suspect website. 9. Check your account/ bank statements regularly and report any unusual account activity to your bank or card issuer. 10. If you think you have been a target of phishing or have visited a phishing site and provided your details, contact your bank immediately. Phishing emails tend to have generic greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “Account Holder”. However, in some cases, a tactic called “spear phishing” is used. In these cases the fraudster has some detail about you (frequently sourced through social media) and may use your name or some other specific detail about you in the email. The emails try to trick you into clicking on a link in the email by claiming that you need to “verify”, “update” or “reactivate” your account or that you can claim a refund. The link brings you to a bogus or fake website (it may even be a look-alike website that can be hard to distinguish from the original), where you are asked to key in your financial or security information. The website will look almost identical to the real thing. To make phishing emails look like they are genuinely from a well-known company, they include logos and other identifying information taken directly from that company’s website (i.e. your bank, online payment services, or the IRS, etc.). Mana Pacific is always vigilant to ensure that we have operations and procedures that are very undesirable to fraudsters, that protect our customers. Please contact us through our secure channels and/or mobile apps if to verify any communication that might claim to be from us - and remember - we will not ever ask you for personal information that we already know.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when your personal details such as your Social Security/IRS number, driving license, or banking details are compromised or stolen allowing fraudsters to pretend to be you. Having this kind of information may allow fraudsters to use your information to: * Obtain credit (in your name) * Purchase goods or services in your name. * Take over your bank account. * Make applications in your name for new bank accounts, cards or loans. * Take over your Phone, Email, Social Media, and even your Gas/Electricity accounts, in order to attempt or trick your banks to give them access via these accounts (i.e. Email or SMS/Phone verification) to access your bank accounts, etc. One of the biggest problems with identity theft is that the crimes committed by the fraudster can often be attributed to you. If this happens, you may have difficulty applying for loans, cards or a mortgage until the matter is sorted out. You should carefully guard any personal information that might allow a thief to impersonate you. Be very cautious about what information you post on social media. Think of security questions e.g. mothers maiden name, where you work, where you went to school, birthday messages = date of birth….. Cunning fraudsters can build up a pretty detailed profile through various social media channels to build a picture of your identity, if you are not careful and vigilant. To avoid Identity Theft, it is always important to: 1. Keep important personal documents such as your passport, birth certificate, payment cards and check-books in safe and secure place(s). 2. Limit or restrict how much personal information you share or divulge on social network sites. 3. Shred or destroy any documents containing personal information before disposing of them. 4. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements. If you find an unfamiliar or unusual card payment or bank transaction, contact us, or your (other) card issuer or other bank(s) immediately. 5. Report lost and stolen cards or suspected fraudulent use of your account to us, or your (other) bank or financial institution(s) immediately. 6. In the event that your passport, driving license, cards or other personal documents have been lost or stolen, immediately contact the organisation that issued them, and as soon as you can - let us know of your new or replacement details. Never 1. Never give credit card or online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. 2. Never disclose your card PIN or your full online banking password to anyone. 3. When confirming security information (other than logging in/on), most banks will only ever ask for specific characters within your password and not your whole password. If in doubt, ask for proof of identity or undertake your own checks to confirm legitimacy. Other Tips: 1. Be aware that your post is valuable information in the wrong hands. If you fail to receive a bank or card statement, a replacement card or PIN number, a utility bill or other financial information, be sure to contact the relevant bank or service to confirm that one was sent out. Re-direct your mail when moving house. Contact your bank and all other organizations and provide them with the new address.
What is Phone Fraud?
The second most common way for fraudsters to target potential victims is by contacting you by phone or text, pretending to be from a reputable company such as a bank, card issuer, utility company or a computer company. And unfortunately, the United States has some of the highest rates of phone (and online) fraud in the world. During a conversation or via text/SMS they will try to trick you into the usual ruse of giving to them your personal, financial or security information or into making a money transfer. They may impart a sense of urgency asking you to “verify”, “update” or “reactivate” your account. They may indicate that something is wrong and that if you don’t act immediately it will have negative consequences, for example, that money will be lost or that there is fraud on your account. They don’t want to give you time to research or investigate their legitimacy. Some fraudulent texts may include a link or attachment, which when clicked on downloads malicious software (mobile malware) or an unwanted or unverified App onto your phone. The fraudster then uses the information gathered from that download to secretly collect more information, or to steal money from your account, carry out unauthorized card transactions or to carry out other criminal activities. How to Avoid Phone Scams: 1. Be very wary of an unsolicited phone calls or voicemails. 2. Never divulge personal information until you have validated that the caller is a genuine representative of the organisation they claim to represent. You can do this by following a number of steps: * Take the callers number and advise them that you will call them back once you have validated their identity. * Look up the organization's phone number (by using the phone book or their website) and make contact directly with them to validate. * Do not validate the caller using a phone number they have given you (this could be a fake number) * If the caller is genuine, they will understand and welcome your need to validate them. 3. 1. Don’t respond to a text/SMS messages seeking financial, personal or security information unless you independently verify that the text came from the company it claims to be from. 2. Fraudsters may already have basic information about you in their possession (e.g. name, address, account details), do not assume a caller is genuine because they have these details or because they claim to represent an organisation you deal with. 3. Remember that it takes two people to terminate a phone call, you can use a different phone line to independently check the callers identity. 4. Your bank or the Police will never ask for the following: * Your credit or debit card PIN number or full online banking password. * Request you withdraw money to hand over to them or transfer money to another account, even if they say it is in your name. * Come to your home to collect your cash, payment card or check book.
What is a Technical Support scam?
With this type of scam, the fraudster calls you unexpectedly posing as your bank. They tell you that there is a problem such as irregular activity or fraud on your account. They advise you to transfer money out of your account to a so-called “safe account”, indicating that once the problem is resolved the money will be transferred back. Some people actually fall for this - if YOU HAVE - contact us immediately! Scammers will try to provide you with account details and get you to transfer money, usually insisting this is done via a money transfer or wire which involves you physically going to the premises of a Money Transfer Agent such as a Post Office, Western Union or Money Gram. They can use rush tactics, saying it must be done immediately and often target older individuals. Another variation of this scam is the “Grandparent Scam”. The fraudster calls you posing as a grandchild or other relative in distress and in urgent need of financial assistance. They play on your emotions and goodwill to get you to make a money transfer which then goes to the fraudster’s account. Be very careful - as there are now reports of A.I. voice scammers using A.I. ("artificial intelligence") to mimic or pretend or impersonate a loved one in distress. And they are now capable of being very convincing. How to avoid this kind of scam! 1. Your bank will never call to ask you to transfer money to another account. 2. Never follow financial instructions or give away financial or security information to unexpected callers without first validating that they do genuinely represent the organisation they say they do. To do this source a phone number for the organisation directly and call them. Do not take it from the caller as it is likely to be fake) 3. Don’t feel pressured or rushed. The caller may try to make you feel foolish, stupid or negligent if you don’t follow their instructions. 4. If you have followed the instructions or have given the caller your bank or card information, contact us (or your bank) immediately.
What is an Online Scam, including "Romance Scams", or "Investment"/"get rich quick" scams?
Online and Social Media scams can be hard to detect. Online shopping is easy and convenient and can offer you greater choice and help you find the very best deals. But with 70% of all card fraud occurring online it also allows criminals to attempt crimes from a distance reducing their chances of being caught. As well as online fraud, many are linked to or run alongside some of the common forms that social media scams. Please be very careful about your online data - and what you read or believe in online. Common online and social media scams include (and can be via Phone or Email too!): * Miracle Products – Beware miracle beauty or health products that offer a free trial but involve giving your credit or debit card details up front. If the product is genuine (which frequently it is not), you are often tied unknowingly into a fixed period contract. Read the terms and conditions carefully. * Job/Work from Home Scams – Some of these opportunities involve payment up front for training, products etc. so always independently check out the credentials of any company offering you a job or work from home opportunity. Never give your account or card details until you are confident this is a legitimate offer. * Investment Scams – Be cautious of any opportunity that offers a quick way to make money. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Seek independent professional advice before signing up to any online investment opportunity. * Fake Comments on Popular Posts – Fraudsters post fake comments on popular posts that include interesting looking links which in fact direct you to phishing websites. * Fake Friend Requests – Only accept friend requests from people you know or have reason to want to connect with. Criminals often use fake friend requests to gather you and your friends’ data. * Help, I’m in Trouble Messages – Beware of posts or emails from genuine friends saying they are in trouble and need you to send money. It is very likely that their social media or email accounts have been hacked. * Romance Scams – Dating and romance scams often take place through online dating websites, but scammers may also use social media or email to make contact. These scams are also known as ‘catfishing’ or “sweetheart scams”. Fake online profiles and or persona are designed to lure you in and, after “wooing you”, they will find some compelling reason to ask for money, gifts or your card details. They may use a fictional name or falsely take on the identities of real, trusted people such as military personnel, aid workers or professionals working abroad. * Remember everything you post is available for all to see, it is not what you out on one form of social media but across all platforms allowing a fraudster to build up your profile and potentially steal your identity. Key Advice for avoiding Social Media Scams: 1. Prevention is easier than a cure: Be sure to use appropriate privacy settings on your social media profiles – remember your information is valuable to a fraudster and if they can access your social media profiles they may be able to build up a lot of information on you, and do not friend or link with someone on social media unless you know them or have a reason to connect with them. 2. Try to avoid online quizzes or signing up for offers that ask for your personal details, and be mindful of information you give away about yourself on any social media platforms, and If a link(s) appears on your social media page or wall and you don’t recognise or want anything to do with, delete it immediately. 3. Never give your card details or make a payment on the basis of an offer received through social media unless you have independently verified that it is legitimate. 4. We know it is a pain, but try to change your important passwords regularly and choose passwords that are not easily guessed and that are long, and as a bonus, have a mixture of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numerals and special characters. 5. If you get a request from a friend that seems unusual, contact them by another method to verify it is from them. Examples are a request for money or a new friend request when you were already connected to that friend (i.e. look out for fake profiles). 6. Pay attention to your own instincts. All the clichés apply. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
What is Online (advertising) Scams?
Everyone has by now heard of or knows someone who has been approached by people out there targeting our communities with "too good to miss" or "amazing" opportunities to 'make money quick'. These people are often making 'criminal' promises, and can use false ads to trick you into transferring money, giving them your card details or other financial information. These ads can pop up while you’re browsing online, show up in a social network feed, be sent to you by email or post and appear in a newspaper or in a public place. Key Advice 1. Stay away from ads that offer “easy money” or “get rich quick” ideas. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. 2. Always read the terms and conditions before you sign up for anything. 3. Understand your obligations where a “free trial” is offered. Be particularly cautious if you are being asked for your card details when signing up for a free trial. 4. Ensure you buy goods and services from reputable retailers or sellers. Before making a payment or giving payment details ask yourself – How do I know that this person/company is genuine? Mana Pacific will always try to find, curate, or offer, great, sensible, and reasonable financial services for you, our community. If it isn't offered by us - it may well be a scam. It may be simply so "high risk" that it is practically indistinguishable from a scam, and the advertisers don't tell you that fully. Our activities are highly regulated, and we wouldn't ever offer something we think is stupid. Be safe, out there people!