Branch services
Branch services mean the services available to a customer visiting a bank branch in person to handle banking matters. These include advisory services, cash services, loan-related matters or scheduled appointments. Many services are nowadays also available by phone or through online meetings. However, certain matters, such as signing agreements or becoming a bank customer, still require a branch visit. The use of branch services has declined as technology has enabled new service channels.
Mobile banking
Mobile banking allows bank customers to use daily banking services through their mobile devices. It requires an internet connection and the bank’s official app. The customer logs in with their personal online banking credentials. To ensure security, paying invoices or making similar transactions requires two-factor authentication, for example an additional one-time passcode, a mobile certificate or an authentication app.
Telephone services
Phone services enable customers to receive assistance with their banking needs by phone. The bank’s general service number connects customers to a network of numbers for specific issues. Customers can also identify themselves with their banking credentials, in which case a wide range of banking services can be carried out over the phone.
Online banking
Online banking service is a secure website provided by the bank, accessible via computer, where customers can log in to view their accounts and services and take care of their banking. Online banking also makes it possible to apply for loans, manage investments and communicate directly with the bank.
The Finnish trust network is an electronic identification system made up of providers of strong electronic identification services. Identification service providers can provide electronic identification means for end users (identification means provider) or forward identification events to providers of electronic services (identification broker service). Traficom maintains a public register of service providers that are based in Finland and provide strong electronic identification, and of the services provided by them, and the National Cyber Security Centre supervises the services.
Online banking credentials issued by banks serve as a means of strong electronic identification. Strong identification means verifying identity electronically so that consumers can securely prove who they are, and service providers can reliably identify their customers.
Online banking security
Phishing refers to the illegal acquisition of financially valuable information such as online banking credentials, credit card numbers or personal data. Typically, the victim is lured by email to a website that asks them to submit sensitive financial details. Such messages and websites are often crafted to closely resemble official bank communications and websites.
Fraud can also occur through malware, which collects information while the customer uses online services or redirects them to a fake site even if they enter the correct address.
Banks, the police or any other trustworthy party will never contact customers by email, phone or other means to ask for online banking credentials, PIN codes, credit card numbers or other confidential information.
Information and tips on how to prevent fraud are available at Stick it to the Scammers. ↗
