How to Protect Your SINPE Móvil

Using SINPE Móvil is part of daily life for many people in Costa Rica.
But what’s quick and convenient can also be risky if you don’t know how to protect yourself.

Want to use it with peace of mind?
Here’s a clear, practical, and easy-to-follow guide to keep your SINPE Móvil secure.

1. Enable two-factor authentication on your bank account

This step is essential. It means that besides your password, you’ll need a second code (via SMS, email, or an app) to access your account.

Even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to log in without that second step.

How to enable it:

• Open your bank’s app.
• Look for the settings or security section.
• Turn on two-factor authentication and choose your preferred method (SMS, email, or app).
• It only takes a few minutes and can save you from big problems.

2. Don’t share your passwords, PINs, or username

It sounds obvious, but many people fall for phone or WhatsApp scams.
No bank representative will ever ask for this information.

If someone asks you, it’s a scam.
Sharing your credentials is like handing over the keys to your account.

3. Check what devices are logged into your account

Many banking apps let you see which devices have accessed your account.

How to check:

• Open your bank’s app.
• Go to “Security” or “Connected Devices.”
• If you see a device you don’t recognize, log it out and change your password immediately.

Checking this regularly can help you detect suspicious activity early.

4. Don’t trust prizes, giveaways, or bonuses you didn’t ask for

Got a message saying you won something or that you’ll receive a deposit?

Be careful!
These are often tricks to get you to send a SINPE or share your info.

If you didn’t request it, don’t accept it.

5. Protect your phone number

Your number is the key to your SINPE Móvil.
If someone duplicates your SIM (SIM swapping), they can receive your codes and access your account.

How to prevent it:

• Ask your carrier to add a password to your line.
• Turn on security alerts in your bank app.
• If your phone is lost, block your line immediately.

6. Don’t click suspicious links

Scammers create fake websites that look like real banks.
If you click a strange link and enter your info, they can steal your data.

Always access your bank through its official app or by typing the URL yourself.

7. Don’t use SINPE Móvil on public Wi-Fi

Logging into your bank on an open network (like in a café or park) can be dangerous.
Someone could intercept your connection.

Use mobile data or wait for a secure network.

8. Regularly check your banking activity

Open your bank app and review your recent transactions.
Is there a SINPE you didn’t make? A withdrawal you don’t recognize?

The sooner you notice something, the easier it is to fix.
The bank can help — but only if you catch it in time.

9. Be careful with the apps you install

Some apps request unnecessary permissions like reading messages or accessing your keyboard.

That can allow them to read your security codes.

Install only what you need and review the permissions you grant.

10. Log out if you use someone else’s phone

If you access your account from someone else’s device, log out immediately.
And never let the browser save your password.

If you think your account was exposed, change your password as soon as possible.

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Where do you use SINPE Móvil? Protect yourself depending on the channel

SINPE Móvil is not a standalone app.
It works through your bank or credit union’s digital platforms.

You can use it via:

• The bank’s app
• Online banking
• SMS (text messages)
• Some branches or ATMs

Not all channels are equally secure.
That’s why you need to know how you’re connecting and what precautions to take.

If you use the bank’s app

How to stay safe:

• Only download the app from official stores.
• Enable fingerprint or facial recognition.
• Don’t share access with anyone and keep the app updated.

If you use online banking

How to stay safe:

• Type the bank’s web address directly into your browser.
• Make sure the page has a security lock (https).
• Don’t use public computers or save passwords in the browser.

If you use SMS

How to stay safe:

• Make sure messages are from the bank’s official short number.
• Never forward codes or data received by SMS.
• Set a PIN on your SIM and block it if your phone is lost.

If you use a branch or ATM

How to stay safe:

• Don’t type your PIN if others are nearby.
• Cover the keypad when entering your code.
• Don’t leave behind any printed receipts with your linked number.

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Want to deactivate or switch banks?

There’s a useful tool: the INACTIVE command.

It lets you unlink your phone number from SINPE Móvil.
Perfect if you’re switching banks, lost your phone, or just don’t want to use the service anymore.

How to use it:

1. Open your phone’s messaging app.
2. Write a new SMS with the word INACTIVE (all caps, no quotes).
3. In the recipient field, enter your bank’s short number (e.g., 2627 for Banco Nacional).
4. Send it from the number registered with SINPE Móvil.

You’ll receive a confirmation once it’s done.

When should you use it?

• If you're switching banks or credit unions
• If you lost your phone or SIM card
• If you want to deactivate the service temporarily

Before sending the message, double-check your bank’s official short number — each bank uses a different one.

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Connect your business to SINPE with Zimplifica

Do you run a business that needs to send or receive SINPE payments?
Are you building an app or payment system that needs integration?

At Zimplifica, we help you connect to SINPE securely, at scale, and in compliance with regulations.

📩 Write to us — let’s build your solution together.