Protect Your Money Online: How App-Based Approval Can Help You Avoid Scams

Shopping online is convenient, but it’s important to stay safe—especially with scams becoming more and more sophisticated. One way banks can help protect you is through App-Based Approval (also known as Out-of-Band Authentication). Don’t worry about the fancy name, it’s simply a safer way to confirm your purchases. 

Let’s break it down in easy terms. 

What Happens When You Buy Something Online? 

When you buy something online with your bank card, your bank wants to make sure it’s really you using the card and not a scammer. In the past, they would occasionally send you a text message with a special code. You’d type that code in to finish your purchase. 

But scammers have found ways to trick people into giving away those codes. That’s why banks are now using a better method: Out-of-Band Authentication. 

What Out-of-Band Authentication? 

Instead of sending you a text, your bank may have the ability to send a message to its official app on your phone or tablet. You open the app, check the details of the purchase, and tap a button to approve it. You might use your fingerprint, face, or a PIN to confirm. 

It’s like your bank asking, “Is this really you?”, and you answering through a secure app, not a text message. 

Why Is This Safer? 

• Scammers can’t fake the app: It’s much harder for them to trick you when everything happens inside your bank’s app. 
• You see what you’re approving: The app shows the shop name and how much you’re spending, so you know exactly what’s going on. 
• No more confusing codes: You don’t have to copy and paste anything or remember numbers. 

How It Works: An Example of How It Can Be Used 

Let’s say you’re buying a birthday gift online. After you enter your card details, your bank sends a message to its app. You open the app, see “$45 at GiftWorld,” and tap “Approve.” Done! 

If it said “$450 at Unknown Store,” you’d know something’s wrong and simply can tap “Reject.” Remember, if you are rejecting a payment, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card to secure your accounts! 

Why Seniors Should Use It 

Seniors are often targeted by scammers, but this new method makes it harder for them to succeed. Here’s why it’s great for older adults: 

• It’s simple: Just tap to approve or reject. 
• It’s clear: You see the shop name and amount before you say yes. 
• It’s safe: No codes to share, no texts to worry about. 

Watch Out for Phishing Scams 

Scammers often pretend to be from your bank. They might send you a text message, email, or even call you saying: 

“There’s a problem with your account. Please confirm this code to stop a suspicious transaction.” 

What they’re really doing is trying to trick you into approving a payment you didn’t make. They may already have your card details and just need you to confirm the transaction using a code or app approval. 

This is called a phishing scam—where scammers impersonate trusted organisations to steal your money. 

Here’s how to stay safe: 

• Never approve a payment you didn’t make. 
• Don’t share codes or tap “Approve” unless you’re sure it’s a real transaction. 
• If you’re unsure, open your bank’s app directly or call the bank using the number on your card. 

With Out-of-Band authentication, you’ll see the shop name and amount inside your bank’s app before you approve anything. That gives you a chance to stop, check and, reject a scam before it happens.