International Fraud Awareness Week |14 November 2023
Keep your bank cards safe!
Members of the public have had the chance to learn more about card fraud and how to keep their bank cards safe.
This was through a roadshow organised by the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) in collaboration with its partners as part of activities to mark this year’s International Fraud Awareness Week.
The theme for this year is ‘Card Fraud – Be Aware and Beware’.
Launching the activity, second deputy governor of CBS, Jenifer Sullivan, said since 2019, the week is marked through a series of initiatives in line with the respective theme.
“This year’s theme allows us to reflect on the various ways to make electronic payments such as using our bank cards in a responsible manner so as to reduce the risk of becoming victims to fraud,” she said.
“Technology has its advantages just like any other things but it also comes with several risks and challenges. CBS in its role as regulator and in line with its mandate to ensure customer protection, has seen the importance and need to sensitise members of the public on this subject.”
Mrs Sullivan added that as the global economy continues to develop, fraud and financial crime become more complex. There is a need to be more vigilant and to work together so as to detect and stop fraud. CBS remains committed to supporting this annual event and to educate the population on fraud, hoping that all our partners will also join in to play a role, she concluded.
In an interview, the financial inclusion analyst at CBS, Rose Mussard, said locally, there is a fraud forum, which meets annually to discuss the various concerns arising in Seychelles and from these points raised, a theme is derived.
This year the theme is focused on bank cards and throughout the week, the aim is to bring more awareness on how people can protect themselves from falling victims to card fraud, she added.
Absa Bank and Nouvobanq had also joined CBS for the event. Members of the public had the chance to win various items simply by answering questions such as what are the benefits of using a bank card, how to protect your bank card from fraud and what should you do if your card gets lost or stolen.
There will be three pop-up events aimed at bringing more information to the public on card fraud. The first will be today at the Seychelles International Airport, Pointe Larue as from 9am-11am, and another one on November 16 at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.
People shopping or working at Orion Mall on November 17 will also get the chance to learn about fraud and how to keep their cards safe through a pop-up event there from 12pm to 2pm.
Photos by Louis Toussaint
