The Central Bank of the UAE has called on bank customers to take advantage of digital and online banking services to as a measure to ensure the health and safety of residents amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In line with this, the Central Bank has also called on the banks in the country to make available more digital and online banking services in the face of an unprecedented public health crisis.
In a statement, the Central Bank said that it strongly encourages banking customers to use a contactless payment device in most shops to avoid touching the payment terminal or exchange cash. The also advises the public to link your debit/credit cards to their smartphones or device to utilise mobile payments.
It also advised customers to be vigilant against fraudsters who may try to take advantage of the current situation. “Make sure you’re on the lookout for anything suspicious, including messages about Coronavirus claiming to be from your bank,” it said.
AbdulAziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of UAE Banks Federation, said, “The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has created significant challenges to society. Although the UAE banking sector has not seen any significant pressure at this stage, to maximize efficiencies and reduce the spread of the virus we encourage all customers to use digital channels to conduct their banking. The safety and well-being of customers and employees is our highest priority, and we must remain vigilant during these times of heightened concern. As an industry, we are well-positioned to face any obstacles that lie ahead, and help the economy navigate through the temporary difficulties we are facing.”
The Central Bank also shared tips for securely banking online:
- Online and digital banking: Sign up to online banking and the mobile app. They are the simplest ways you can securely manage your money, anywhere, anytime.
- Know your log-on details: if you’ve forgotten your details, you should be able to retrieve them in a few simple steps
- Use contactless and mobile payments: you should be able to use a contactless payment device in most shops, which means you don’t have to touch the payment terminal or exchange cash. Or link your debit/credit cards to your smartphone or device to make mobile payments.
- Talk to your bank directly
- Stay alert: fraudsters may try to take advantage of the current situation, so make sure you’re on the lookout for anything suspicious, including messages about Coronavirus claiming to be from your bank. Remember, we’ll never ask you for your full PIN or password or ask you to move money from your accounts.
