Guardian ( Trinidad and Tobago )
19 September 2023 ( Page 15 )
RBC addressing fraud in US$ accounts
GEISHA KOWLESSAR-ALONZO - SENIOR MULTIMEDIA REPORTER
GEISHA.KOWLESSAR@GUARDIAN.CO.TT
RBC T&T has confirmed that it recently identified fraudulent e-commerce
online activity that has victimised some of its clients with VISA Debit US
dollar accounts in the T&T market.
This bank’s comments followed a concerned customer reaching out to
Guardian Media after about US$700 went missing from her account during
a period of a few weeks starting from August 28, 2023.
She stated that the monies went missing incrementally ranging from
some cents to US$50.
In all about 59 fraudulent transactions were conducted.
According to the customer, who has her account at RBC Gulf City, the
fraud included a number of transactions including several from one
labelled “Tic Tock Original.”
GML reached out to RBC, who responded via email.
On whether this was prevalent, the bank said this was not the case, stating
that only a limited number of clients had been impacted by this fraudulent
activity.
The bank also offered advice to customers.
“We encourage clients to review account (online) statements, monitor
credit reports where possible, periodically change passwords, be cautious
of unsolicited requests for information, and verify they are dealing with a
trusted source.
“If clients have questions or concerns about their card services, they
should call the Client Advice Centre at 1-800-1RBC at their earliest
opportunity.
Our client advice centre representatives are ready to assist them with their
cards or any other banking needs. All client claims are reviewed and
addressed within 48 hours of receipt.”
RBC added that it had a range of security protocols to combat fraud and
other criminal attacks on its clients.
“We take this matter with the utmost seriousness, and review and assess
each instance of potential fraud or unauthorised transactions on a casebycase basis.
“RBC is committed to supporting any of our clients who are affected by
this disruption as quickly as possible.
In all instances, we work with the client throughout the process to keep
them informed,” it added.
On what assurances the bank could give that such allegations would be
thoroughly investigated as well as assurances to US account holders that
their monies were safe, the bank reiterated that safeguarding the security
of its systems and the confidentiality of its clients’ information was
always its top priority