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Fraud or scam?

Fraud is when someone takes your money without you knowing about it. A scam is when you’re tricked into giving money or your personal details.

Different types of fraud and scams to be aware of

Dodgy messages or calls

Criminals can send an email, message, or call you, pretending to be a genuine person or business. They try and trick you into handing over your personal or banking info.

They are really annoying and come in many forms, including emails (phishing), texts (smishing), phone calls/voicemails (vishing) and QR code phishing (quishing).

Malware

Malware is a malicious software that can damage or disable your phone or computer.

All it takes is to visit an unsafe website, click on an unknown link or attachment, or open an email from an unknown source.

Your personal information can then be sold on or used to threaten you.

Impersonation

Impersonation fraud is very common. Almost half of 18 to 24 year olds have been targeted in an impersonation scam.

Cybercriminals pretend to be someone else like a well-known brand, or even a friend or family member. They want to take your data or money.

WhatsApp scams are becoming more popular. You could get a message from a 'friend' saying they have a new number. They’ll ask you for money and say it's urgent due to an emergency.

Purchase scams

Online and marketplace shopping can be great for a bargain. Watch out for fake adverts selling things that don’t actually exist, like tickets to a concert or the latest tech.

If the price is too good and it’s a one-time special offer, it might be a scam. Never transfer cash to anyone you don’t know. If in doubt, speak to an adult.

Fake friend fraud

Social and gaming channels are great places to chat with people just like you. Most of the time these people are genuine, but we need to be aware of fake profiles trying to make friends with you for all the wrong reasons.

Never share your personal information, arrange to meet them, or send money to someone you’ve never met before.

How to prevent something phishy...

  1. Always stop, think, and check before you share personal or bank info, or send someone money.
  2. Stay alert. Ask yourself, "Why have I received this? Was I expecting it? Am I being asked to share confidential information?
  3. Don’t open or click links in suspicious emails, texts or WhatsApp’s. Block the sender and delete it.
  4. Don’t share personal details like your address, birthday, or the school that you go to, with anyone.
  5. Use long passwords, make different ones for each account and keep them to yourself.
  6. Check out the sender. Is the email address suss? If in doubt always call the number on your debit card.
  7. We’ll never ask you to move money to a different ‘safe’ account or send you a text or email with a link to enter your details, passwords or any security info.
  8. Look out for the lock symbol in the address bar when you shop online. This means the site is secure. Don’t see a lock? Don’t make the payment.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

  1. Speak to a trusted adult. A parent, guardian or teacher is a good place to start.
  2. Contact us straight away if you think your money is at risk. No judgement, we're always here to help.
  3. You can also freeze your card immediately in the app.