Following the reports of illegal transactions linked to third-party mobile applications, Pakistani banks have urged customers to take extra precautions when using their debit cards.

As per the experts, debit cards are directly linked to bank accounts, meaning any money withdrawn for purchases or financial transactions is deducted from the account balance.

A private bank, addressing the issue in a recent statement, assured customers that their personal and banking information remains secure.

The bank clarified that its debit cards are compliant with EMV technology and 3D security standards.

The disputed transactions, according to the bank, stemmed from unsafe e-commerce activities and are being addressed through the international payment system’s chargeback mechanism.

To ensure secure transactions, customers were advised to:

• Only pay on verified, trusted platforms and avoid using debit cards on untrusted sites
• Refrain from transacting over public Wi-Fi
• Monitor card details and OTPs sent via email or SMS
• Immediately report any card theft or loss to the bank

Consumers were reassured that they could confidently use their debit cards on trusted websites, continuing to enjoy the convenience of cashless transactions while remaining vigilant about online security.