--- title: "Cybersecurity Starts with You: Protect Yourself from Online Fraud" description: Learn how to spot phishing and smishing during European Cybersecurity Month. Identify red flags, protect your account, and act fast if fraud occurs. --- [![logo xiao](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo%20xiao.png?width=150&height=67&name=logo%20xiao.png "logo xiao")](https://www.paytend.com/en/home) - Personal - [Personal Account](https://www.paytend.com/en/personal-account) - [Global Fast](https://www.paytend.com/en/global-fast) - Business - [Business Account](https://www.paytend.com/en/business-account) - [Global Disbursement](https://www.paytend.com/en/global-disbursement) - Acquiring - [E-commerce](https://www.paytend.com/en/e-commerce-acquiring) - [In-store](https://www.paytend.com/en/in-store-acquiring) - [Soft POS](https://www.paytend.com/en/softpos) - Cards - [Personal Card](https://www.paytend.com/en/personal-card) - [Business Card](https://www.paytend.com/en/business-card) - [Cards Management](https://www.paytend.com/en/cards-management) - [Contact Us](https://www.paytend.com/en/contact-us) - **Download App** - [Download Paytend](https://www.paytend.com/en/paytend-download) - [Download Paytend Pay](https://www.paytend.com/en/paytend-pay-download) Download the Paytend app By entering your phone number and email, you'll allow us to send you a link to download the Paytend app ![配图](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/%E9%85%8D%E5%9B%BE%20(main).png?width=334&height=335&name=%E9%85%8D%E5%9B%BE%20(main).png) Download the Paytend app and create an IBAN account It takes you just 5 minutes to create an account [![app store small-1](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/app%20store%20small-1.png?width=157&height=60&name=app%20store%20small-1.png)](https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/passport-cash/id1470069383) [![google pay small-1](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/google%20pay%20small-1.png?width=157&height=60&name=google%20pay%20small-1.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.passport.cash) [![华为](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/%E5%8D%8E%E4%B8%BA.png?width=157&height=48&name=%E5%8D%8E%E4%B8%BA.png)](https://appgallery.huawei.com/#/app/C104400053) ![3倍二维码](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3%E5%80%8D%E4%BA%8C%E7%BB%B4%E7%A0%81.png?width=134&height=134&name=3%E5%80%8D%E4%BA%8C%E7%BB%B4%E7%A0%81.png) [![android](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/android.png?width=148&height=39&name=android.png)](https://www.paytend.com/paytend-app-download) ![配图 2](https://www.paytend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pop%20up%20png_1121(main).png?width=250&height=406&name=pop%20up%20png_1121(main).png) [Sign up](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/cybersecurity-starts-with-you-protect-yourself-from-online-fraud#ex1) [Back to blog](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog) # Cybersecurity Starts with You: Protect Yourself from Online Fraud [paytend](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/author/paytend) Oct 29, 2025, 12:21:11 PM Every October, the EU runs European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM), a campaign to raise awareness and share practical tips on staying safe online. Led by [ENISA](https://www.enisa.europa.eu/) and the European Commission, it highlights the importance of cyber hygiene for both citizens and organizations. This year, with digital threats evolving, the spotlight is on **phishing, smishing, and online fraud**. In this blog, we’ll show you how to recognize fake bank emails and text messages, safeguard your information, and take the right steps if you fall victim.   **Why phishing and smishing remain top threats?** Even in 2025, phishing via email and smishing via SMS are among the most common ways fraudsters target banking users. Several factors contribute to this: - They exploit human trust rather than technology flaws. People are more likely to click a link from what looks like an official email or text. - They are scalable and cost-effective for attackers. Sending mass emails or messages can yield a high return even if only a few users respond. - Attackers constantly adapt, using personalization, spoofed visuals, and fake domains to appear legitimate. Recent data highlights the scale of the threat: - In 2025, nearly 1.2% of all emails sent are malicious, amounting to billions of phishing attempts every day ([Keepnet Labs](https://keepnetlabs.com/blog/top-phishing-statistics-and-trends-you-must-know?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). - The volume of phishing attacks targeting European organisations surged by 202% in 2024, with a 703% increase in credential-based phishing attacks ([SlashNext](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/slashnexts-2024-phishing-intelligence-report-shows-credential-phishing-attacks-increased-by-703-in-the-second-half-of-the-year-302334475.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). - Overall, phishing attacks have surged by 1,265%, partly driven by generative AI techniques ([SentinelOne](https://www.sentinelone.com/cybersecurity-101/cybersecurity/cyber-security-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). **Because banks handle large amounts of money and sensitive data, they are prime targets for fraudsters. This makes vigilance essential for all users.** ### Red flags: How to spot a fake bank email or message Scammers can make fake emails or texts look almost real. But if you look closely, there are always small signs that something isn’t right. Here’s what to watch out for: 1. **Check the sender’s address**  Real Paytend emails always come from “@paytend.com.” If you see something like “paytend-secure.com” or any random address, it’s not from us. 1. **Look for spelling or grammar mistakes** Fake messages often have typos or strange wording, like “Dear Userr” or “Urgent AcTiOn required.” These are clear warning signs. 1. **Be careful with links and attachments** Never click on a link or open an attachment you weren’t expecting. A link might look normal, but actually lead to a fake website. You can hover your mouse over it (or long-press on mobile) to see the real address before clicking. 1. **Don’t trust urgent or scary messages**  If a message says things like “Your account will be locked in 24 hours” or “Verify now,” it’s trying to make you panic. Scammers use this pressure so you react quickly without thinking. 1. **Make sure the topic matches the content**  If the subject line says “Bank update” but the message talks about something else, it’s likely a phishing attempt.   **Tip:** *When in doubt, stop and double-check. Go directly to the Paytend website or app instead of clicking any links. It’s always safer to confirm through official channels.* ### How to protect yourself The best way to stop online fraud is to stay alert and follow a few smart habits. Here’s how you can protect your account and your money: - **Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments** If something feels off, don’t click. Open the official Paytend app or type **paytend.com** directly into your browser instead. Scammers often use fake links to trick you into sharing your details. - **Verify through official channels** If you’re not sure a message is real, contact us through the in-app chat or email **service@paytend.com**. Never reply to a message that looks suspicious. - **Keep your Paytend app up to date** Always install the latest version of the Paytend app. Updates often include new security features that help protect against phishing and other threats. - **Don’t share personal information** Never share your PIN, full card number, passwords, or one-time codes through calls, texts, or emails, even if the message looks urgent. Only provide information when you’ve contacted us through verified Paytend channels. - **Use two-factor authentication (2FA)** Turn on 2FA wherever possible. It adds another layer of security, making it harder for anyone else to access your account even if they have your password. - **Watch out for fake SMS messages** Some texts may look like they’re from Paytend, saying things like “Your account is at risk, click here.” These are fake. Never click on links in such messages; always log in through the official app or website instead.   *Staying cautious doesn’t mean being afraid. It means staying one step ahead. When in doubt, stop and verify before taking any action.*   ### **If you’ve been scammed: What to do immediately!** If you think you may have clicked a fake link, shared information, or responded to a suspicious message, act fast. Quick action can limit damage and help protect your money. **Lock your card or account right away** Go to our Help Center for step-by-step instructions: [Lock your card – Lost or Compromised Card](https://www.paytend.com/en/knowledge/lost-or-compromised-card) [Change your login PIN](https://www.paytend.com/en/knowledge/what-is-my-pin-number) ** Contact Paytend Support** Use the in-app chat or email **service@paytend.com** to report what happened. Our team will guide you on what to do next. ** Change your passwords and security codes** If you use the same email or password for other accounts, change them immediately. Also, update your two-factor authentication (2FA) settings if you use them. ** Keep a record of what happened** Take screenshots of the suspicious message or email. Save any links or attachments you received and note the date and time. This can help our investigation. ** Monitor your account activity** Check your Paytend account and card statements carefully. Report any transactions you don’t recognize as soon as possible.   **Remember:** Acting fast makes a big difference. The sooner you report and secure your account, the higher the chance of preventing further loss or recovering funds. ### **The magnitude of the threat** Online fraud might seem rare, but the impact is much bigger than it looks. Here’s what recent reports show: - A joint report by the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Banking Authority (EBA) found that the fraud rate in EU payment transactions is about **0.031 %**, which means for every €100 of transactions, around €0.03 is lost to fraud. [European Central Bank+2Banque de France+2](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2024/html/ecb.pr240801~f21cc4a009.en.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - Across Europe, around **8 % of citizens** say they have experienced some form of online fraud involving bank or card misuse over the past five years. [Bitdefender blog post Bitdefender](https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/more-than-half-of-european-citizens-worry-about-malicious-use-of-their-online-data?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - The European Commission confirms that phishing and impersonation are among the most common scam types in the EU. [European Central Bank+1](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2024/html/ecb.pr240801~f21cc4a009.de.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) These numbers may look small when written as a percentage, but in terms of total value and personal harm, they are significant. ### **Final thoughts and what you can do today**   This October, as we celebrate **European Cybersecurity Month**, we invite all Paytend users to stay extra alert online. Phishing and smishing scams are not going away, but the more you know, the safer your money and personal data will be.   **Here are a few simple things you can do today:** **Share this blog** with your friends and family. Cybersecurity works best when everyone stays informed. **Bookmark our fraud prevention guides** and keep our support contacts close, so you can act quickly if something looks suspicious. **Teach others** what you have learned, the red flags to look for, and the safe habits to follow.   Stay alert. Stay safe. And thank you for being a vigilant member of the Paytend community. Together, we can make online banking safer for everyone.           Last edit: 27.10.2025 View Comments Hide Comments [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/cybersecurity-starts-with-you-protect-yourself-from-online-fraud) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/cybersecurity-starts-with-you-protect-yourself-from-online-fraud) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/cybersecurity-starts-with-you-protect-yourself-from-online-fraud) ## Related Articles ## [Starting from July 20th, Paytend Mastercard and Visa cards are now supported to be linked with WeChat Pay.](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/paytendvisacard) [paytend](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/author/paytend) Jul 24, 2023, 7:58:18 AM ![Starting from July 20th, Paytend Mastercard and Visa cards are now supported to be linked with WeChat Pay.](https://www.paytend.com/hubfs/Frame%2018-1.png) [Read More](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/paytendvisacard) 0 Comments ## [For every €20 spent we’ll donate 3 cents to protect the Baltic Sea](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/for-every-20-spent-well-donate-3-cents-to-protect-the-baltic-sea) [paytend](https://www.paytend.com/en/blog/author/paytend) Dec 2, 2022, 11:46:18 AM ![For every €20 spent we’ll donate 3 cents to protect the Baltic Sea](https://www.paytend.com/hubfs/29101669972248_-pic-jpg.png) Be an environmental hero and make sure to use your Mastercard during 14–30 November! 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