Using Internet Banking Safely
Manage your money online with confidence using practical checks that reduce the risk of fraud and account theft.
Start the guide
Start with the first step, try it on your own device, and use the next-step section at the end if you want a clear follow-on guide.
Guide details and who this is for
Guide details
- Published
- January 15, 2025
- Country scope
- Singapore
Who this is for
Best for anyone checking whether a message, website, payment, or request is safe.
Be careful
Pause if anything asks for passwords, OTP codes, money transfers, or urgent action. Real organisations do not need you to panic to prove they are genuine.
Before you begin
What this guide helps you do
This guide shows the main warning signs to check before you click, reply, log in, share details, or pay.
Best time to use it
Use it when something feels urgent, unusual, or asks for personal information, codes, or money.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not act while pressured. Slow down first, then verify the sender, website, or request.
Helpful tech words
Open a plain-English term first if you need it
Phishing
A trick where someone pretends to be a trusted company or person — like your bank, CPF Board, or the police — to steal your passwords or personal details. It usually comes as a fake SMS, email, or phone call.
OTP (One-Time Password)
A temporary code sent to your phone or email that can only be used once for a single login or transaction.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A security step that asks you to prove who you are in two ways — usually your password plus a code sent to your phone. It makes your accounts much harder to break into.
Keeping Your Banking Safe Online
Major Singapore banks offer online and mobile banking. Used carefully, it is safe and convenient.
The golden rules of online banking
-
Type the address yourself. Go to your bank by typing the address — for example,
yourbank.example— directly into your browser. Never click links from SMS, email, or WhatsApp messages claiming to be the bank. -
Never share your OTP. Your one-time password is for you only. If someone calls claiming to be from the bank and asks for it, hang up. The genuine bank will never ask.
-
Use your bank’s official app. Download only from the official App Store or Play Store — search for your bank’s name and check it is published by the bank (e.g., “your bank Bank Ltd”).
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Set up transaction alerts. Most banks offer free SMS or app notifications for every transaction. Enable these so you see immediately if any unexpected payment is made.
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Log out after every session. Do not stay logged in — always tap the Log Out button when you finish.
Official banking app download names
| Bank | Official app name |
|---|---|
| your bank/POSB | your bank digibank |
| your bank | your bank Digital |
| your bank | your bank TMRW |
| Standard Chartered | SC Mobile |
| Maybank | Maybank2u SG |
Setting up transaction alerts (your bank example)
- Log in to the your bank digibank app.
- Tap More at the bottom right.
- Tap Manage Alerts → Account Alerts.
- Toggle on alerts for all transactions above $0.
Now you will receive a notification for every payment from your account.
Money Lock — protecting your savings
your bank, your bank, and your bank now offer a Money Lock feature that lets you lock a portion of your savings so it cannot be transferred online, even if a scammer logs into your account.
- your bank digiMaker: Lock savings that can only be unlocked in person at a branch.
- your bank Bank Lock: Similar protection for your bank customers.
- your bank LockAway Account: A savings account with no online transfer capability.
This is one of the most effective ways to protect your savings from scammers.
If you notice an unauthorised transaction
- Call your bank immediately — use the number on the back of your card or the bank’s official website.
- Ask them to freeze your account and investigate.
- File a police report at any Neighbourhood Police Post or through your official online police reporting portal.
- Report to the Anti-Scam Helpline: 1800 722 6688.
Act within hours — the faster you report, the better the chance of recovering funds.
Try it yourself — follow along now Click to expand
Follow along and tick each step as you go. You can use a real device right now!
✨ Tip: Ticking these boxes only works on your screen — nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Bank Alert: $4.50 debited from a/c ending 1234 at Local Market on 15 Jan. Balance: $2,341.80.
✅ Recognised transaction
Bank Alert: $980.00 debited from a/c ending 1234 at Overseas Merchant on 15 Jan.
⚠️ Unexpected transaction - call the bank now
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Move to the next recommended guide if you want a clear progression, or ask a real person if you would rather check before trying something new.