A message can copy a familiar name or logo and still be fraudulent. Pressure to act quickly or reveal a secret is a reason to pause and check.
Steps to follow
Do not rush to click
Avoid unexpected links or attachments asking you to verify an account. Do not send money because of a prize or a threat to close your account.
Contact the organisation independently
Use contact details you previously verified. A number or link supplied in the suspicious message is not independent confirmation.
Protect your codes and password
Never share a PIN, password or one-time code (OTP). Do not give an untrusted person remote access to your phone.
Act promptly if you shared information
Contact your financial provider through a trusted channel. Change any exposed password using the real app or website on a trusted device. Keep messages and dates as evidence.
A planning example
Example: “Send the code now”
Someone says your account will close in 10 minutes and asks for a code you received. Do not share it. End the exchange and contact your provider using previously verified details. This website cannot freeze accounts or recover money.
Your reminders
- I have not shared a secret code.
- I checked through an independent channel.
- I kept the messages needed to report the incident.