What educational programs help banks educate customers on carding protection?

[Student]

Hello! For educational purposes, below is a comprehensive overview of educational programs used by foreign banks and international organizations to teach clients how to protect themselves from card fraud. Card fraud includes threats such as phishing, skimming, data theft through malware, and social engineering. These bank programs aim to improve financial literacy, develop cybersecurity skills, and promote security technologies (such as tokenization and two-factor authentication). This answer includes detailed information on international initiatives, approaches taken by major foreign banks, and examples of specific programs, excluding information on Russian banks.

1. International initiatives on financial literacy and protection against carding​

International organizations and alliances are actively developing educational programs that banks use to educate their clients. These initiatives are often supported by PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) standards and include anti-carding modules.

a) World Bank and OECD programs​

• OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) Financial Literacy Program: Since 2008, the OECD, through the International Network on Financial Education (INFE), has promoted global standards for financial education. In 2023, updated INFE recommendations included modules on cybersecurity, where carding is considered a key threat. The program covers:
  • Recognition of phishing emails and websites (e.g. checking URLs and HTTPS certificates).
  • Using two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometrics to protect cards.
  • Tokenization training (replacing card data with unique tokens, like in Apple Pay or Google Pay).
  • Available in 38 OECD member countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and the EU. Banks such as HSBC and Citibank integrate INFE materials into their educational portals.
• World Bank Initiatives: Since 2010, the World Bank has been funding financial literacy programs in developing countries (e.g., India, Indonesia). The Financial Inclusion Support Framework project (2013–present) includes modules on carding protection:
  • Training in recognition of skimming devices on ATMs.
  • Tips for making secure online payments (e.g. using virtual cards).
  • Partnering with local banks such as ICICI Bank (India) to localize content.

b) Payment system programs (Visa, Mastercard)​

• Visa Financial Literacy Program: Visa partners with banks worldwide to offer free online courses on the Visa Practical Money Skills platform (practicalmoneyskills.com). The program includes:
  • Video tutorials on phishing protection (for example, how to avoid entering card details on fake websites).
  • Guides on using 3D Secure (Verified by Visa) for secure online transactions.
  • Interactive attack simulators where users learn to recognize fraudulent calls (for example, requests to provide a CVV code).
  • Available in 20 languages, it is used by banks such as Bank of America and Barclays.
• Mastercard Cybersecurity Education: Mastercard launched the CyberSecure initiative in 2020, educating customers through partner banks (e.g., Santander, Standard Chartered). The program includes:
  • Recommendations for setting up SMS notifications and card limits.
  • Training in tokenization via Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES).
  • Cases of real attacks (for example, phishing through fake Amazon websites).

c) Regional programs​

• European Banking Authority (EBA): Since 2019, the EU has implemented the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2), which requires banks to educate customers about secure payments. The EBA has developed guidelines that banks (e.g., Deutsche Bank, ING) are using to create educational portals. Topics:
  • Protection against social engineering (calls from the "bank security service").
  • Using disposable virtual cards for online purchases.
  • Biometric authentication (face/fingerprint scanning).
• Financial Literacy and Education Commission (USA): Created in 2003 by the FAIR Act. The MyMoney.gov portal includes sections on cybersecurity, where banks like Wells Fargo publish materials on card fraud protection. Examples include setting up transaction notifications and using card monitoring apps.

2. Programs of large banks​

Foreign banks are actively integrating educational modules into their apps, websites, and campaigns to minimize the risks of carding. Below are examples of programs from leading banks, their approaches, and specific tools.

a) Bank of America (USA)​

• Better Money Habits Program:
  • Launched in 2013 in partnership with Khan Academy.
  • Online courses and videos at bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com, including the "Protecting Your Finances" module.
  • Topics: phishing protection (recognizing fake emails from a "bank"), setting card limits, and using a mobile app to instantly block a card.
  • Interactive quizzes: Users take quizzes that simulate carder attacks (e.g., fake SMS messages asking to confirm a transaction).
  • Available in English and Spanish, it reaches 10 million customers annually.
• In-app tools: Bank of America has implemented a "Security Center" section in the mobile app, where customers receive push notifications about suspicious transactions and educational tips (e.g., "Never share your OTP code").
• Statistics: According to the bank, training through Better Money Habits reduced customer phishing incidents by 35% from 2018 to 2024.

b) HSBC (UK, global)​

• "Fraud and Cyber Awareness Campaign":
  • Launched in 2020, available on hsbc.com under the "Security Centre" section.
  • Includes video tutorials, PDF guides, and webinars on carding protection:
    • How to recognize skimming devices (e.g. ATM skimmers).
    • Set up 2FA and biometrics in the HSBC Mobile Banking app.
    • Tips for safe shopping (using tokenized payments via Google Pay/Apple Pay).
  • Interactive simulations: Customers can experience a phishing attack scenario and choose the correct actions.
  • The program has been translated into 12 languages, including Chinese and Arabic, for clients in Asia and the Middle East.
• Partnership with Cyber Security Agencies: HSBC partners with the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), publishing annual reports on carding trends and educating customers on emerging threats (such as QR code attacks).
• Results: In 2023, HSBC reported a 20% reduction in carding incidents among customers who completed the training.

c) DBS Bank (Singapore)​

• "Stay Safe Online" Initiative:
  • Launched in 2019, it is available through the DBS Digibank app and dbs.com.
  • Carding training modules:
    • Recognition of phishing sites (e.g. domain and SSL certificate verification).
    • Using virtual cards for one-time payments.
    • Training on tokenization and setting limits through the app.
  • Gamification: Users complete quests where they "protect" their cards from fraudsters.
  • The program is adapted for older clients with simplified instructions.
• Integration with anti-fraud systems: DBS uses AI to monitor transactions and sends clients educational tips about suspicious transactions (e.g., "This may be phishing, check the sender").
• Reach: By 2024, the program had reached 2 million customers in Singapore, Malaysia and India.

d) ING (Netherlands)​

• "Safe Banking Program":
  • Available on ing.com and in the ING Mobile Banking app.
  • Includes modules on cybersecurity:
    • How to avoid phishing (for example, do not click on links in SMS messages from a "bank").
    • Using 3D Secure and biometric authentication.
    • Tips for protecting yourself from malware (e.g. installing antivirus software).
  • Interactive webinars: held monthly for clients in EU countries.
  • Feature: ING offers a "digital checklist" to check card security before online purchases.
• Partnership with EU CyberNet: ING collaborates with European cyber centres to update materials on new types of carding (e.g. attacks via fake mobile apps).
• Results: In 2023, ING reported that 85% of trained customers successfully avoided phishing attacks.

e) ICICI Bank (India)​

• "Be Safe, Be Smart" Campaign:
  • Launched in 2018, it is available at icicibank.com and in the iMobile Pay app.
  • Educational materials:
    • Video about recognizing phishing and skimming.
    • Instructions for using virtual cards and tokenization.
    • Tips for using UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and cards safely.
  • Gamified quizzes: Customers take quizzes to test their carding knowledge.
  • Localization: Materials are available in Hindi, Tamil and other Indian languages.
• Social Campaigns: ICICI conducts offline workshops in rural areas to educate people on how to protect themselves from fraudsters posing as bank employees.
• Statistics: In 2024, the bank reported that training helped reduce carding incidents by 30% among retail customers.

3. General approaches to training by banks​

Foreign banks use the following methods to effectively educate clients on carding protection:

• Integration into digital platforms:
  • Most banks (Bank of America, HSBC, ING) integrate educational modules into their mobile apps and personal accounts. Examples include pop-up prompts when logging in to the app and push notifications about new threats.
  • Interactive simulations: Clients experience attack scenarios (such as a phishing email) and choose the correct actions.
• Personalization:
  • Banks analyze customer behavior (e.g., frequent online purchases) and offer targeted advice (e.g., using virtual cards for e-commerce).
  • AI algorithms (like DBS) send notifications about suspicious transactions with training links.
• Gamification:
  • Used by DBS, ICICI, and others to increase engagement. Examples include quests and quizzes where clients "save" their finances from fraudsters.
• Multilingualism and accessibility:
  • Programs are translated into local languages (HSBC, ICICI) and adapted for older or less tech-savvy customers.
• Partnerships:
  • Banks collaborate with payment systems (Visa, Mastercard), cyber centers (NCSC, EU CyberNet) and educational platforms (Khan Academy) to create high-quality content.

4. Practical recommendations for clients​

Based on the programs of foreign banks, we can identify key actions to protect against carding:

1. Setting up notifications: Turn on SMS or push notifications for transactions (available in Bank of America, ING apps).
2. Use 2FA and biometrics: Enable two-factor authentication and biometric methods (fingerprints, facial recognition) to log in to banking apps.
3. Tokenization: Use Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, where card details are replaced with tokens (HSBC, DBS supported).
4. Virtual cards: Create one-time use cards for online purchases (ICICI, ING offer this feature).
5. Check websites: Make sure the website uses HTTPS and avoid entering card details on suspicious sites.
6. Regular training: Take free courses at practicalmoneyskills.com (Visa) or MyMoney.gov (USA) to update your knowledge.
7. Transaction monitoring: Check your statements and immediately block your card if there are suspicious charges (available in most bank apps).

5. Efficiency and statistics​

• Risk Reduction: According to Visa (2023), trained customers are 40% less likely to fall victim to phishing. HSBC and ING report a 20-30% reduction in carding incidents among trained users.
• Global losses: According to Mastercard (2024), global losses from carding exceeded $43 billion, but educational programs reduce losses by 25-35% in countries with high levels of financial literacy (USA, EU, Singapore).
• Trends for 2025: Banks are increasing their integration of AI for personalized learning (e.g., DBS uses AI to analyze customer behavior) and focusing on protecting against attacks through QR codes and fake apps.

Conclusion​

International banks such as Bank of America, HSBC, DBS, ING, and ICICI are actively developing educational programs to protect clients from carding. They utilize interactive courses, gamification, app integration, and partnerships with international organizations (OECD, Visa, Mastercard). These programs are available through bank websites, mobile apps, and portals such as practicalmoneyskills.com or MyMoney.gov. For maximum protection, it is recommended to regularly attend training, use 2FA, tokenization, and virtual cards, and monitor updates from banks and cybersecurity centers. If you are a client of a specific bank, check the "Security" or "Fraud Prevention" section in the app for personalized materials.