Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police has renewed its warning to the public on the safe use of internet banking, as cases of online fraud and digital scams continue to rise across the country.
In its advisory, the police stressed that many cyber crimes occur due to simple mistakes made while using banking websites and mobile applications. Officials said greater awareness and basic precautions can prevent most cases of financial loss.
The advisory asks users not to save banking passwords in web browsers and to disable auto complete options, especially on shared or office computers. People are also advised to clear browser history and cache after completing online banking sessions to avoid misuse of stored data.
Kerala Police further reminded users to access bank websites only through secure browsers and official applications. Checking bank account statements regularly was highlighted as an important step to detect unauthorised transactions at an early stage. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the bank immediately.
With the increasing use of mobile banking, the police warned that OTP messages must be protected. Users should lock their mobile phones with a strong PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition to prevent unauthorised access to banking alerts and verification codes.
Cyber security experts note that newer threats such as phishing messages, fake links, and fraudulent phone calls have become more convincing. Scammers often pose as bank officials and ask customers to share passwords or OTPs, which banks never request.
The police also advised the public to avoid using public WiFi networks for financial transactions and to keep mobile phones, computers, and banking apps updated with the latest security patches.
Kerala Police urged citizens to remain cautious and informed, stating that digital banking is safe when used responsibly. Officials added that awareness and timely action remain the strongest tools to protect personal finances in the digital age.