Covid-19 has changed the way we go about our daily routines and that includes spending more time at home and online. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones adapting to the new norm, Scammers are too. Recently, we’ve noticed a new pattern in scams where fraudsters/Scammers will try to convince you to hand over your account login details via texts and calls.
It’s important to remember that we never send text messages asking for security information or to click on a link. If you get a text message like this, chances are it’s a scam.
What type of scams are happening?
Fraudsters are sneaky and they’ve come up with many ways to steal your hard-earned money. These are the most common types of scams that are currently happening:
Phone and SMS scams – you could get a call or SMS from someone pretending to be a BigPay staff member who may mislead you into giving away important information. Fraudsters might go the extra mile to impersonate us by using our logo as their profile image.
Phishing – you receive fake emails or access suspicious websites that trick you into entering personal data or your card details.
How to tell if it’s really us
Calls or text messages can look like they’re from Awepay, so if you receive an unexpected call or text message from us, use these pointers to determine if it is legitimate:
In a text message, we will not:
Send you a link to a website and ask you to provide private information (such as a One Time Password (OTP), phone number or your PIN) to redeem cash prizes
Claim that we’ve detected suspicious activity on your account
To contact you by phone, we will not:
Call you using a personal mobile number
Call you on WhatsApp
Reach out to you to request for private information (such as your OTP, date of birth or your PIN)
Note: we would never reach out to you without prior engagement and arrangements made.
Outside our app, we will not ask for:
Your PIN (this is the 6 digit number you use to log in, make card payments or withdraw money from an ATM)
The full 16 digit number on your card or three digit number (CVV) on the back of your card
Any other password like your email address password or other private information
What should you do if this happens to you
You could get a call or SMS from someone pretending to be a BigPay staff member, a bank clerk, or someone you trust who then misleads you into giving away important information. If this happens to you, don’t panic, take a moment to gather yourself and take the following actions:
Hang up immediately.
Using the info above, determine the legitimacy of the message. If the message is a scam, block the number and delete the message from your phone.
Do not respond if someone asks you to confirm your CVV on the back of the card (the last three digits on the back of the card) or OTP/TAC for any reason. End the call right away.
Do not respond to fake emails or SMS from suspicious links or unknown senders seeking personal information.
Do not respond to a request seeking for you to validate or verify your personal information or details of any transaction.
Extra ways to protect your money
Situations like this can happen to anyone, so staying vigilant is really important. Here are some added measures to help you keep your money safe.
Question who you’re talking to
Fraudsters may know basic details about you and can fake phone numbers, names, and email addresses but they won’t know everything. Question the person until you are certain. The best way to be sure is to call your bank using known details (a bank’s contact detail is usually on the back of your card).
Take your time
Fraudsters will often try to scare you into giving out details, by claiming that your account is under threat or immediate action is needed. Banks and financial services will never try to panic you or urge you to provide sensitive information on the spot. If you’re being pressured, tell them you’ll think about it, hang up and get in touch with your bank or the card issuer (call the number listed at the back of the card).
Say NO
If your gut feeling tells you something is off, feel free to say ‘NO’ and hang up. You should not be forced into doing something you don’t feel comfortable or unsure of.
Staying safe is a tag team effort
When in doubt, contact your card issuer to get confirmation as soon as possible. It’s always better to ask and get some answers before you act on something. If you’re a Awepay user, talk to us via our in-app chat service and temporarily freeze your card.