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What is a scam, and how can I protect myself?
What is a scam, and how can I protect myself?
Updated over 2 weeks ago

In today’s digital world, scammers are always evolving, it has been calculated up to four million people could be scammed each year with many scams being unreported. This is why being scam-aware is crucial to protect ourselves and others. By staying informed, we can outsmart scammers and reduce the number of victims.

Calls

Scam calls often involve fraudsters impersonating financial institutions, broadband providers, HMRC, or other trusted organizations. They aim to trick you into sharing personal information that will allow them to access your account or use your card.

  • Scammers use technology to spoof numbers, making their calls appear as if they come from a trusted source or no caller ID at all.

  • They may reveal some of your personal details, often from prior compromises, to gain your trust. At Yonder, we will never disclose personal information without confirming your identity first.

  • We will never ask for your full 16-digit card number or parts of it. Fraudsters may request the last 10 digits since Yonder cards all share the first 6 digits, making it easier for them to gain your full number without raising any concerns.

  • Yonder will never ask for OTPs (one-time passcodes) over the phone to update your details or cancel transactions. These actions can only be done through our app, and OTPs only approve transactions - they cannot cancel them.

  • Scammers often use pressure tactics, creating fear by claiming suspicious activity on your account. They may push you to disclose personal or card details to "secure" your account or cancel transactions. Always stay calm and verify any such claims independently by contacting us via the in-app chat.

There are some instances where we may need to call you to discuss your account, but if you do receive a call from us and are unsure that you’re speaking with someone from Yonder, hang up and reach out to us via the in-app chat

Email/text messages

Email and text message scams often mirror each other and follow similar patterns. They usually contain a link directing you to a compromised website. These scams can take many forms, such as posing as delivery services, competitions, surveys, streaming platforms, or even impersonating people you know, like colleagues or family members.

  • If you receive a text or email with a link, never click it. Instead, go directly to the official website or contact the merchant directly to verify the message.

  • For emails about late parcels or redelivery fees, always check the official tracking information.

  • Scammers often use generic greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam” and may include spelling mistakes. This is why it is key to review all emails and texts intensively.

  • Always verify the sender’s email address or phone number. Scammers will use random email addresses, not official company ones.

  • If someone you know requests money or gift cards via email or text, be cautious. Contact them directly using the contact information you already have to see if this is genuine.

Always proceed with caution with emails and text messages, even if they include genuine details like booking references. If you see a link, contact the merchant directly to verify its authenticity. Scammers can exploit data breaches to create convincing messages and gain access to your information.

Advertisements

A newer scam affecting many people is the advertisement scam, also known as the pop-up ad scam. Scammers cleverly pay for online ads to trick users into clicking and entering personal or card details. These scams often copy legitimate websites, advertise large sales, or create their fake sites offering cheap items to lure you in. They are commonly found on social media platforms, or embedded in other websites or apps.

  • Never click on advertisements directly. Instead, search for the company yourself in your browser to ensure you’re visiting the genuine website.

  • Check reviews for any unfamiliar company before entering card details to confirm the site’s legitimacy and to ensure they are not a scam.

  • Look for a padlock icon in the URL bar, indicating that the website is secure.

  • Avoid saving card details online whenever possible to reduce the risk of your details getting compromised.

  • Always be skeptical of ads that seem too good to be true and verify the website's legitimacy before making any purchases.

Following these guidelines can safeguard yourself from vishing, phishing, and smishing scams. Stay vigilant, always verify the source before sharing any personal information, and protect your data from potential threats. Stay safe!

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