Nigeria Content Online

Sterling Bank is
collaborating with Clickatell on CardGuard Fraud Protection Service. A
statement from the bank explained that the partnership emerged
following complaints of fraud by users of electronic payment systems –
debit cards and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

It said that
Sterling Bank is partnering Clickatell, a global leader in mobile
communications, which specialises in SMS messaging, to introduce
CardGuard Fraud protection service. The Sterling Bank’s CardGuard
incorporates a customer’s mobile phone into its network of services.

Banks across Africa
have tapped into the ubiquity of the mobile phone to interact with
their customers and enlist their help in monitoring card activity for
fraudulent charges, the statement added.

“With Sterling
CardGuard, Sterling Bank customers can now use their mobile phones to
freeze their account should they note a fraudulent withdrawal,” the
statement said.

“The mobile phone is a powerful customer service channel that helps
us respond immediately to our customers while providing an extra layer
of protection for them and for us, against fraudulent activities,” said
Davendra Puri, executive director, operations and technology.